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Rev.  Daniel  Breck. 

1748-1845. 

Ordained  over  the  church  in  Topsfield,  Nov. 
17,  1779;  dismissed  May  26,  1788. 


From  an  oil  portrait  in  the  possession  of 
Judge  Charles  H,  Breck. 


THE 


HISTORICAL 

COLLECTIONS 

OF  THE 

TOPSFIELD  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY 


VOL.  XI 


1906 


TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 
Published  by  the  Society 
1906 


GEORGE  FRANCIS  DOW 


Editor 


THE  MERRILL  PRESS 

£o^0ft 


CONTENTS. 


THE  NEWBURYPORT  AND  BOSTON  TURNPIKE,  BY  H.  FOLANS- 
BEE  LONG,  --------- 

THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  CO.,  MASS.,  BY  WALTER 
DAVIS,  JR.,  --------- 

LETTER  FROM  DR.  NEHEMIAH  CLEAVELAND,  1 8 1 5 , 

ESSEX  REGISTRY  OF  DEEDS  AT  TOPSFIELD,  - 
LETTER  OF  REV.  JEREMIAH  HOBART,  1 686,  - - - - 

LOCALITIES  AND  PLACE  NAMES  IN  TOPSFIELD,  BY  J.  PORTER 
GOULD,  --------- 

CAPT.  JOHN  GOULD’S  PETITION  IN  1 694,  - - - - 

EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN  OF  TOPSFIELD,  TRANSCRIBED 
BY  H.  FOLLANSBEE  LONG,  - - 

BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF  NEHEMIAH  KNEELAND,  PIONEER 
OF  TOPSFIELD,  MAINE,  ------ 

NECROLOGY: 

MRS.  ELLEN  A.  (HOOD)  WELCH,  - 

ALBERT  WEBSTER,  ------- 

HARRIET  E.  TODD,  ------- 

IRA  PERLEY  LONG,  ------- 

JOHN  AVERELL  GOULD,  ----- 

SARAH  PERKINS  DWINELL,  - 
TOPSFIELD  VITAL  STATISTICS,  1905,  - - - - - 

CHRONOLOGY  OF  EVENTS,  1905,  ------ 

BUILDINGS  CONSTRUCTED,  1905, 


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THE  NEWBURYPORT  AND  BOSTON  TURNPIKE. 


BY  H.  FOLLANSBEE  LONG. 


At  the  beginning  of  the  19th  century,  commerce  was  mak- 
ing rapid  strides  in  Massachusetts.  Better  communication 
between  the  inland  towns  was  needed,  and  the  first  step 
towards  a closer  relation  was  the  building  of  toll  bridges 
over  the  large  rivers,  thus  doing  away  with  the  slow,  dan- 
gerous, and  expensive  system  of  ferries.  Soon  after  came 
the  demand  for  better  roads.  As  the  towns  were  not  able 
to  expend  the  large  amounts  of  capital  required  to  con- 
struct such  roads,  and  as  the  cost  was  greater  than  any  sin- 
gle individual  cared  to  assume,  a corporation  for  each  en- 
terprise was  created  by  legislative  authority.  Frequently 
the  “ turnpikes  ” proved  themselves  to  be  poor  investments 
for  capital,  and  to  the  promoters  and  to  those  who  contrib- 
uted funds  and  labor,  must  be  given  credit  for  a great  deal 
of  courage,  a large  degree  of  public  spirit,  or  a misplaced 
confidence  in  the  soundness  of  their  investments.  Without 
doubt,  however,  some  of  the  earlier  turnpikes  turned  out  to 
be  paying  investments,  as  they  opened  up  a large  part  of 
the  country  not  before  in  direct  communication  with  the 
centres  of  trade.  This  probably  accounts  for  the  increase 
of  road-building,  for  in  less  than  ten  years  after  the  first 
turnpike  was  chartered  (1796)  forty-two  companies  were 
created  and  empowered  to  build  roads  in  Massachusetts 
proper,  or  in  Maine,  then  a part  of  the  State.  The  con- 
struction of  these  roads  and  the  ease  of  communication 
over  them  were  such  an  improvement  over  the  old  “town 
ways,”  that  the  people  not  only  willingly  paid  toll  to  be 
allowed  travelling  privileges,  but  in  a great  many  instances 

(1) 


2 


NEWBURYPORT  AND  BOSTON  TURNPIKE. 


gave  assistance  by  grants  of  land  and  by  requiring  the  Uni- 
ted States  mail  to  be  carried  over  them. 

The  first  turnpike  corporation  in  Massachusetts  was 
chartered  in  1796  and  was  formed  for  the  purpose  of  build- 
ing a road  from  the  town  of  Western,  now  Warren,  to 
Palmer.  The  Act  sets  forth  that  no  good  highway  existed 
and  that  the  towns  could  not  afford  to  build  a proper  road. 
The  company  was  given  the  right  to  charge  travellers,  in 
exchange  for  performing  a work  which  was  apparently  re- 
garded as  a public  necessity.  On  the  State  records,  the 
first  seventeen  turnpikes  are  known  only  by  numbers,  first, 
second,  third,  etc.  Afterwards  they  were  given  names  in- 
dicating the  localities  through  which  they  passed.  The 
books  of  these  corporations  were  at  all  times  open  to  the 
inspection  of  the  Governor  and  Council,  and  the  Legisla- 
ture. The  Legislature  could  dissolve  any  corporation,  so 
formed,  after  twenty  years,  if  it  was  shown  that  the  in- 
come of  the  road  had  compensated  the  corporation  for  its 
expenditures  together  with  twelve  per  cent  interest.  It  is 
very  doubtful  if  there  was  case  where  this  power  was  ex- 
ercised. The  usual  width  of  the  roads  was  four  rods  or 
sixty-six  feet.  It  is  interesting  to  note  that  the  subject  of 
wide  tires,  as  road  inprovers,  was  then  considered,  and  tolls 
were  only  half  as  great  for  vehicles  having  tires  six  inches 
or  more  wide,  while  with  tires  three  and  one-half  inches 
wide  and  carrying  a load  of  forty-five  hundred  pounds  a 
toll  three  times  the  regular  sum  was  demanded. 

In  general,  the  phraseology  of  all  the  petitions  for  turn- 
pike roads  was  the  same,  namely,  the  great  expense  of  keep- 
ing ordinary  roads  in  good  repair,  and  the  relief  it  would 
be  to  taxation  if  those  who  wished  better  roads  should 
themselves  pay  the  cost  of  building  and  maintaining  them. 
But  when  Micajah  Sawyer,  William  Coombs,  Nicholas 
Pike,  Arnold  Welles,  William  Bartlett,  John  Pettingill, 
William  Smith,  John  Codman,  and  James  Prince  petitioned 
the  “Great  and  General  Court”  for  a turnpike  road  to  be 
laid  out  between  Newburyport  and  Chelsea  Bridge,  said 
company  to  be  known  as  the  Newburyport  Turnpike  Cor- 
poration, they  based  their  claim  upon  an  entirely  different 
reason — “ the  advantage  of  connecting  our  own  town  with 


NEWBURYPORT  AND  BOSTON  TURNPIKE. 


3 


the  capital  of  the  state  by  an  “air  line” — the  shortest  possi- 
ble route.  As  a matter  of  fact  none  of  this  road  was  laid  out 
in  Newburyport,  but  was  built  in  the  town  of  Newbury, 
but  now  a part  of  Newburyport.  While  the  plans  for  its 
construction  did  not  assume  definite  form  until  1800,  the 
subject  of  such  a road  was  agitated  some  time  before. 
March  8,  1803,  Caleb  Strong,  then  Governor  of  Massachu- 
setts, approved  the  charter  of  the  corporation.  This  was 
the  first  road  of  its  kind  to  be  chartered  in  eastern  Massa- 
chusetts. The  Salem  turnpike,  chartered  about  the  same 
time,  was  the  first  to  be  opened.  The  critics  maintained 
that  it  was  a much  wiser  plan,  to  build  the  road  from  New- 
buryport to  Salem,  thus  connecting  with  the  turnpike 
which  was  to  be  built  from  there  to  Boston.  The  proposed 
road  was  to  start  from  the  head  of  State  street,  in  what  is 
now  Newburyport,  and  run  in  as  nearly  a straight  line  as 
possible,  to  Chelsea  Bridge.  We  may  all  agree  with  the 
words  of  the  corporation’s  first  president  after  being  told 
of  the  proposed  route,  when  he  said, — “A  herculean  un- 
dertaking.” The  engineer  was  instructed  to  point  the 
telescope  of  his  transit  South  24°  West,  and  to  follow  that 
course  as  directly  as  possible  to  Chelsea  Bridge.  As  the 
road  stands  today,  in  the  distance  of  thirty-two  miles 
it  deviates  only  eighty-three  feet  from  a straight  line,  and 
most  of  this  deviation  is  at  the  ledges  in  Saugus,  near  the 
Lynnfield  woods,  where  a great  deal  of  heavy  blasting  was 
necessitated,  in  order  to  get  through  at  all.  The  cost  of  the 
road  was  nearly  half  a million  dollars  ; far  greater  than  any 
public  improvement  in  New  England  up  to  that  time.  It 
surely  was  a wonderful  piece  of  work, — “ a monument,” 
says  Caleb  Cushing,  “ of  the  enterprise  and  perseverance 
of  its  projectors.”  Even  at  the  time  when  this  road  was 
in  process  of  construction,  successful  experiments  were 
being  made  with  locomotives.  Possibly  the  builders  of 
railroads,  one  hundred  years  from  now,  when  they  are  su- 
perseded by  airships,  may  be  looked  upon  in  much  the  same 
way  that  we  now  look  upon  the  promotors  of  the  old  turn- 
pikes. 

The  stock  of  the  corporation  consisted  of  one  thousand 
shares,  more  than  half  of  which,  or  five  hundred  and  ninety- 


4 


NEWBURYPORT  AND  BOSTON  TURNPIKE. 


eight  shares,  was  held  in  Boston.  Newburyport  men  held 
two  hundred  and  ten  shares,  James  Prince  having  ninety- 
eight  and  Captain  Israel  Young,  thirty  shares  while  Nico- 
las Pike,  William  Bartlett,  Jonathan  Gage,  and  Micajah 
Sawyer  held  ten  shares  each.  “ Lord  ” Timothy  Dexter, 
“ the  Wonder  of  the  East,”  strange  to  say  was  not  inter- 
ested in  this  enterprise.  Perhaps  his  holdings  in  the 
Essex  Merrimack  Bridge,  which  was  more  than  one-half 
of  the  original  number  of  shares,  satisfied  his  desires  in  this 
line  of  public  improvement.  One  hundred  and  forty 
shares  of  the  turnpike  stock  were  held  in  Gloucester,  nine 
in  Danvers,  seven  in  Cambridge,  and  five  in  York,  Me. 
With  the  exception  of  Danvers,  the  citizens  living  in  the 
towns  through  which  the  road  was  to  pass  took  no  stock 
in  the  road,  either  actually  or  metaphorically.  The  first 
meeting  of  the  corporation  was  held  in  Boston,  April  14, 
1808,  notification  of  the  meeting  appearing  in  the  New 
England  Palladium,  a paper  published  in  Boston,  and  also 
in  the  Newburyport  Herald.  On  April  20,  1808,  the  di- 
rectors met  and  chose  the  following  officers : — “ Judge  ” 
William  Tudor,  of  Boston,  President;  Gorham  Parsons  and 
James  Prince,  Vice  Presidents,  and  Enoch  Sawyer,  Treas- 
urer, all  of  Newburyport.  During  the  summer,  the  di- 
rectors, with  their  engineer,  travelled  on  foot  three  times 
over  the  entire  distance.  “ Rocky  heights,  bogs,  briars, 
thickets,  and  all  the  unpleasant  obstacles  of  an  unfre- 
quented tract  of  country,  rendered  these  pedestrian  jour- 
neys slow  and  fatiguing.”  The  survey  required  three  week’s 
time,  the  expense  being  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars, 
including  five  dollars  paid  Michael  Hodge  for  making  a 
plan  of  the  road.  Theophilus  Parsons  was  paid  two  hun- 
dred and  fifty  dollars  for  legal  services,  such  as  drafting 
the  papers,  looking  after  the  legislators,  and  influencing 
the  Justices  of  the  Court.  The  settlement  of  the  land 
damages  was  not  an  easy  matter  for  those  who  derided  the 
scheme  were  not  averse  to  plundering  its  promoters. 
Very  few  there  were,  whose  lands  they  were  compelled 
to  intersect,  but  expressed  their  vexatious  submission  to 
the  law  which  they  could  not  control,  and  all  demanded  a 
triple  compensation  for  the  land  they  were  compelled  to 


NEWBURYPORT  AND  BOSTON  TURNPIKE. 


5 


part  with.”  In  seventeen  cases  the  owners  of  the  land  re- 
fused to  accept  the  price  fixed  by  the  commissioners  and 
appealed  to  a jury  who  awarded  them  twenty  per  cent 
more. 

Work  on  the  turnpike  was  begun  August  28,  1803,  on 
High  street  in  Newbury  port.  Messrs.  Prince  and  Young, 
two  Newbury  port  men,  had  charge  of  the  building  of  the 
first  eleven  miles,  reaching  from  the  head  of  State  street  to 
Peabody’s  mills  in  Topsfield.  They  received  118,850.  for 
their  part  of  the  road.  Capt.  Jonathan  Ingersoll  had  charge 
of  the  next  nine  miles  to  Malden,  and  Gorham  Parsons  su- 
perintended the  construction  of  the  bridge  over  the  Parker 
river.  The  building  of  the  roadbed  was  in  general  given 
to  contractors,  who,  in  many  cases,  hired  men  from  each 
locality  for  the  work  in  their  vicinity  and  often  times  these 
men  furnished  their  own  wheelbarrow,  cart,  or  pick  and 
shovel,  as  the  case  might  be.  Peleg  Slocum  of  Lynn,  built 
three  and  one  half  miles  of  road  from  Peabody’s  mills  to 
Joseph  Chaplin’s  house  in  Rowley,  for  eight  thousand  dol- 
lars and  a hogshead  of  rum.  The  grade  was  not  to  exceed 
one  foot  in  twenty  and  the  road  was  to  be  covered  with 
gravel  ten  inches  deep.  For  building  another  part  of  the 
road,  Richard  and  Ebenezer  Kimball,  both  of  Lebanon, 
N.  H.,  agreed  to  furnish  sixty  men,  blacksmiths,  five  yoke 
of  oxen,  and  ten  horses.  They  were  to  work  as  many  days 
on  the  road  as  the  Directors  thought  necessary,  until  J uly 
1,  1805.  Each  man  was  to  receive  one  dollar  a day  and 
board,  and  half  a pint  of  West  India  rum.  The  Company 
itself  was  to  furnish  “ two  or  three  ox  carts,  and  so  many 
horse  carts  and  wheelbarrows  as  are  necessary.”  Those 
men  not  working  under  contract  received  $1.25  per  day, 
for  ditching ; a laborer  with  pick  and  shovel  received  5 or 
6 shillings,  and  $1.57  was  paid  for  a man,  cart  and  oxen. 
Masons,  carpenters  and  painters,  employed  in  constructing 
the  toll-houses,  hotels  and  bridges,  received  an  average  of 
nine  shillings  per  day.  These  days  of  course  were  reck- 
oned from  “ sun  to  sun.” 

At  one  place  near  the  Newburyport  end,  the  road  was 
made  twenty  feet  high  and  twenty-five  rods  long,  far 
above  the  mud  of  the  swamp  through  which  the  road 


6 


NEWBURYPORT  AND  BOSTON  TURNPIKE. 


passed.  The  workmen  at  the  close  of  the  last  day’s  labor, 
on  this  part  of  the  road,  looked  with  a sigh  of  relief  on  the 
well  finished  roadbed,  but  to  their  surprise  on  the  follow- 
ing morning  when  arriving  at  the  scene  of  their  previous 
day’s  labor,  a great  embankment  was  not  to  be  seen  but  an 
enormous  hole  thirty-six  feet  deep  and  twelve  rods  in 
length.  The  slippery  mud  of  the  meadow  had  allowed  the 
heavy  mass  of  gravel  piled  upon  its  surface  to  settle  until 
its  downward  course  was  stopped  either  by  the  hardpan 
of  clay  or  by  the  rocky  crust  of  the  earth.  The  accident 
however  turned  out  better  than  was  anticipated,  for  the 
big  hole  furnished  an  excellent  depository  for  the  vast 
amount  of  dirt  and  rocks  removed  from  the  neighboring 
hills  which  otherwise  would  have  been  difficult  to  dispose 
of,  finally  making  an  excellent  and  solid  foundation  for  the 
road  across  the  swamp.  The  construction  of  bridges  over 
the  rivers  and  brooks  was  an  item  of  great  expense  in 
building  the  road.  Sixty-two  bridges  were  built  by  Prince 
and  Young  over  the  first  dozen  miles  between  High  street 
in  Newburyport  and  Peabody’s  mills  in  Topsfield,  and 
sixty-nine  other  bridges  were  necessary  in  the  remaining 
distance.  A large  number  of  these  so  called  bridges  were 
nothing  more  than  culverts,  three  or  four  feet  wide,  but 
several  expensive  bridges  were  built  over  the  rivers  which 
the  road  crossed.  At  Little  river  in  Newbury,  a bridge 
of  timber  thirty  feet  in  length  was  required,  built  upon 
stone  abutments  ten  feet  high  with  wings  of  stone  one 
hundred  and  thirty  feet  long  and  six  feet  high.  Another 
expensive  bridge  was  erected  over  the  Parker  river.  The 
construction  of  this  bridge  entailed  an  expense  of  seven 
thousand  dollars.  The  bridge  over  the  Ipswich  river,  with 
a span  of  seventy  feet,  was  built  at  a great  cost,  owing  to 
the  hill  on  the  south  and  the  long  marsh  on  the  north,  and 
three  hundred  feet  of  abutments  were  constructed.  The 
only  entry  in  the  Topsfield  town  records  concerning  the 
turnpike  appears  under  date  of  Apr.  1,  1805  when  it  was 
voted,  “To  grant  liberty  to  the  Newburyport  Turn- 
pike Corporation  to  erect  a dry  bridge  across  the  road  near 
Joseph  Andrews,  provided  it  is  done  to  the  reasonable 
satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen  and  Sylvanus  Wildes,  Isaac 


NEWBURVPORT  AND  BOSTON  TURNPIKE. 


7 


Averill  and  Joseph  Andrews  and  all  persons  immediately 
concerned  or  the  major  part  of  them.” 

Work  on  the  turnpike  began  Aug.  23,  1803,  and  was 
continued  until  November  of  that  year.  Four  miles  of 
road  had  been  built  during  this  time.  In  the  spring  of 
1804  it  was  deemed  advisable  to  push  the  work  ahead  with 
rapidity  and  accordingly  five  hundred  men  with  oxen  and 
horses,  were  employed.  The  most  expensive  as  well  as  the 
most  difficult  part  of  the  road  was  from  Peabody’s  mills  to 
Malden.  This  section  of  the  road  was  under  the  direction 
of  Capt.  Jonathan  Ingersoll,  one  of  the  Directors.  In  this 
section  sixty-nine  stone  culverts,  and  six  wooden  bridges, 
from  eight  to  seventy  feet  in  span,  were  built.  Nine  hills 
were  cut  down  varying  depths  from  twelve  to  twenty-five 
feet,  and  many  smaller  hills  from  six  to  twelve  feet. 
Eighteen  causeways  from  four  to  twenty-five  feet  in  height, 
and  with  a total  length  of  two  hundred  and  fifteen  feet, 
were  required  to  fill  up  the  deep  depressions  on  the  road 
bed.  For  blasting  the  rocks  and  ledges  used  for  culverts, 
bridge  abutments,  etc.,  three  hundred  pounds  of  gunpowder 
were  used,  while  fifty  casks  were  required  for  the  same 
purpose  on  other  parts  of  the  road.  To  complete  this  sec- 
tion three  hundred  men,  eighty  yoke  of  oxen  and  twenty 
horses  were  employed  for  seven  months,  through  the  sum- 
mer and  autumn  of  1804.  Accidents  were  frequent  on 
this  section  of  the  road,  two  fatalities  occurring  on  River 
hill  in  Topsfield.  In  the  Salem  Gazette  under  date  of  July 
19,  1804,  it  is  recorded  that  Jonathan  Hoyt,  aged  twenty, 
of  Concord,  N.  H. , was  instantly  killed  by  the  falling  of 
earth.  Again  under  date  of  July  26,  1805,  it  is  reported 
that  “Francis  Skerry,  aged  fifty,  was  killed  by  the  falling  of 
a large  quantity  of  earth  from  the  bank  at  Topsfield  hill 
while  at  work  upon  the  turnpike  road.”  The  account  goes 
on  to  say  that  “ Another  man  was  much  hurt  at  the  same 
time  so  as  to  be  obliged  to  have  a leg  amputated.  One 
man  was  killed  and  two  wounded,  at  the  same  place,  and 
in  the  same  manner  last  summer.”  At  the  close  of  1804 
the  road  was  completed  to  Malden  and  early  in  the  next 
year  the  work  was  extended  to  a mass  of  rock  in  Malden, 
called  in  good  reason,  as  the  turnpike  men  thought,  Tophet 
ledge. 


8 


NEWBURYPORT  AND  BOSTON  TURNPIKE. 


While  the  charter  of  the  Company  called  for  a road  to 
Chelsea  Bridge,  the  damages  seemingly  were  to  be  so  ex- 
cessive that  some  other  means  of  reaching  Boston  was 
sought.  The  first  plan,  which  was  strongly  contested  and 
at  last  rejected  by  the  Legislature,  was  to  construct  a 
bridge  across  the  Charles  river  to  Barton’s  point.  Then 
another  petition  was  presented  whereby  the  Newburyport 
Turnpike  Corporation  were  to  join  with  the  proprietors  of 
the  Middlesex  Canal  and  build  a bridge  over  the  Charles 
river,  the  last  named  Company  to  use  the  bridge  as  a tow 
path.  This  also  was  refused.  But  February  2,  1805,  an 
Act  was  passed  allowing  the  corporation  to  build  to  J enkin’s 
Corner,  so  called,  in  Malden,  from  Malden  Bridge,  instead 
of  to  Chelsea  Bridge. 

Not  only  were  men  employed  upon  the  roadbed,  but  a 
large  number  were  employed  in  other  work  connected  with 
the  turnpike,  which  progressed  rapidly  as  the  roadbed  was 
completed.  Three  toll  houses  were  constructed,  with  large 
gates  which  swung  across  the  way,  as  reminders  to  the 
traveller  that  he  must  help  pay  for  the  road.  The  first 
house  was  in  Newbury,  and  is  still  standing.  Another  was 
erected  in  Topsfield,  and  a third  one  in  Chelsea.  February 
2,  1805,  by  a special  Act  of  the  Legislature,  the  proprietors 
were  given  the  right  to  collect  toll  on  parts  of  the  road 
already  completed.  According  to  the  requirements  of  first 
charter  they  were  not  allowed  to  collect  tolls  until  the 
road  was  finished,  but  as  a part  of  the  road  then  was  being 
used  they  thought  it  their  right  to  collect.  In  Lynnfield, 
fifty-three  acres  of  land  were  purchased,  and  a large 
hotel  constructed  at  a cost  of  $19,347.00.  Ice  houses, 
stables,  a blacksmith  shop,  and  other  out-buildings 
necessary  for  an  establishment  of  this  nature  were  built  in 
addition.  The  Company  also  furnished  the  hotel.  The 
Topsfield  Hotel  was  built  at  a cost  of  $22,296.00.  The 
lot  on  which  it  was  located  contained  four  and  one-half 
acres  of  land,  and  buildings  similar  to  those  at  Lynnfield 
were  built  in  connection  with  the  hotel.  Mention  of  some 
of  the  famous  gatherings  at  this  Topsfield  Hotel  may  not 
be  out  of  place.  In  1808  a great  Caucus  was  held  to 
denounce  the  Embargo.  In  1829,  the  County  Convention 


NEWBURYPORT  AND  BOSTON  TURNPIKE. 


9 


which  established  Lyceums  met  there.  The  Essex  Agri- 
cultural Society  was  organized  there  in  1818,  as  were  the 
annual  meetings  of  the  Society  for  the  years  1820,  ’22,  ’28, 
’24,  ’25,  ’37  and  ’38.  The  Essex  County  Natural  History 
Society  was  formed  there  in  1834,  and  its  parlors  were 
frequently  the  scene  of  County  Conventions  and  similar 
gatherings. 

The  turnpike  having  been  completed  to  Malden,  was 
opened  for  public  travel  on  Febuary  11, 1805.  At  this  time, 
the  cost  of  the  road,  with  its  fences,  bridges,  three  toll 
gates,  tools,  etc.,  was  8282,936.88.  Another  item  of  ex- 
pense was  the  cost  of  constructing  a road  from  the  hotel 
in  Topsfield  to  the  meeting-house,  a further  outlay  of 
81,878.00,  and  also  8560.00  expended  for  five  acres  of  addi- 
tional land  in  Topsfield.  The  furniture  for  the  hotel 
cost  8713.00,  not  an  extravagant  sum  and  the  buildings 
were  rented  at  the  rate  of  8400.00  per  annum.  The  Leg- 
islature by  a special  grant,  allowed  the  corporation  to  lay 
the  road  only  three  rods  wide  at  Malden,  thereby  saving 
the  expense  of  moving  walls. 

The  first  man  to  collect  toll  at  the  Newbury  gate 
was  Peter  Flood.  He  was  succeeded  by  James  Merrill, 
and  he  in  turn  by  a Mr.  Page.  Moses  Pillsbury  was  the 
first  man  at  Topsfield,  and  was  followed  by  Leonard  Cross 
and  Moody  Morse.  At  the  Chelsea  gate  David  Williams 
was  the  first  man.  He  was  succeeded  by  Daniel  Collins 
and  Cornelius  Conway  Felton.  A half-gate,  where  only 
half -toll  was  taken,  was  erected  at  Ipswich  where  John 
Brown  collected  toll.  Another  half-gate  was  erected  in 
Rowley,  and  still  another  at  Trotter’s  bridge  in  Newbury. 
Peter  Flood  was  allowed  8240.00  a year  and  house  rent 
and  Moses  Pillsbury  was  given  the  same.  David  Williams 
received  8200.00  a year,  but  was  not  allowed  house  rent. 
These  toll  collectors  were  each  required  to  furnished  bonds 
at  one  thousand  dollars.  After  it  was  discovered  that  the 
road  would  not  pay  large  dividends,  the  toll  collector’s 
salaries  were  reduced  to  8100.00  a year.  The  toll  rates 
for  each  person  passing  over  the  turnpike  were  one  and 
sixpence,  or  twenty-five  cents,  for  a carriage  with  four 
wheels  and  drawn  by  four  horses.  Carts  and  wagons  with 


10 


NEWBURYPORT  AND  BOSTON  TURNPIKE. 


two  horses  paid  half  this  amount,  or  nine  pence.  A one 
horse  chaise  paid  ten  cents  ; a man  on  horseback  five  cents  ; 
neat  cattle,  one  cent  and  sheep  and  swine,  three  cents  a 
dozen.  According  to  the  general  turnpike  laws  no  toll 
could  be  collected  from  a passenger  on  foot.  At  the  time 
of  the  “ Irish  famine,”  a great  many  Irish  immigrated  to 
this  country,  and  in  order  to  save  the  charge  of  immigra- 
tion, which  was  so  much  a head,  they  shipped  to  Nova 
Scotia  and  New  Brunswick  ; crossed  the  line  into  Maine 
and  then  made  their  way  to  Newburyport.  As  the  turn- 
pike was  the  direct  way  to  Boston,  parties  of  ten  or  twelve, 
men,  women  and  children,  passed  over  it,  stopping  at  the 
farm  houses  along  the  way  wherever  night  overtook 
them,  in  this  way  avoiding  the  entrance  fee  into  the  coun- 
try. No  toll  could  be  collected  from  anyone  going  to  or 
from  public  worship  within  the  limits  of  any  town,  nor 
from  any  person  passing  to  his  daily  labor  or  upon  the  or- 
dinary business  of  family  concerns,  nor  from  a person 
passing  on  military  duty.  This  law  gave  the  people  in 
any  town  the  right  to  travel  anywhere  within  the  limits  of 
the  town  free  of  charge.  These  privileges  were  surely 
very  liberal  when  the  amount  of  money  expended  in  build- 
ing the  road  is  considered.  Without  doubt  both  corpora- 
tion and  public  evaded  the  law.  The  town  of  Danvers, 
feeling  aggrieved  at  the  excessive  tolls  that  were  demand- 
ed, held  a special  town-meeting  and  appointed  a commit- 
tee of  three  to  wait  upon  the  Directors  of  the  road,  with  a 
complaint  that  the  proceedings  of  the  toll  gatherer  at  the 
Danvers  gate  had  been  such  that  “ they  had  been  injured 
in  their  rights,  not  even  the  minister  being  permitted  to 
visit  his  people  when  they  were  sick  without  paying  toll ; 
also  others  are  required  to  pay  toll  while  engaged  in  their 
common  ordinary  business  or  domestic  affairs.” 

There  were  three  full  gates  between  Newburyport  and 
Malden,  and  the  owner  of  a four-horse  carriage,  when 
travelling  the  entire  distance,  paid  “ four  and  six”  or  seven- 
ty-five cents,  and  the  one-horse  chaise  even  with  the 
deacon  in  it,  paid  “ two  and  three-pence  ” or  thirty-seven 
and  one-half  cents.  Human  nature  was  the  same  then  as 
now,  and  the  people  of  that  day  were  not  adverse  to 


NEWBURYPORT  AND  BOSTON  TURNPIKE. 


11 


cheating  the  corporation  whenever  the  chance  presented 
itself.  Owing  to  the  thirty-eight  public  roads  which  the 
turnpike  crossed,  it  was  not  very  difficult  to  avoid  toll  and 
to  stop  this  leak  the  half-gates  were  erected.  The  fine  for 
evading  a toll  was  from  ten  to  fifty  dollars.  Occasionally 
a man  was  caught  evading  the  law,  but  the  case  was  usual- 
ly settled  outside  of  court,  as  the  culprit  was  generally  u a 
respectable  citizen,”  in  his  own  opinion  at  least.  In  1808, 
“ a respectable  citizen  ” of  Ipswich,  passing  on  horseback, 
attempted  to  avoid  toll  in  order  to  save  the  sum  of  five 
cents.  Being  detected  he  tried  to  pacify  the  toll  collector 
by  the  offer  of  two  dollars,  but  Peter  Flood  was  not  to  be 
bribed,  whereupon  the  offender  wrote  a pathetic  appeal  to 
the  President  of  the  corporation,  in  which,  after  offering 
many  excuses,  he  begged  for  mercy.  After  some  little 
difficulty  he  succeeded  in  getting  off,  no  doubt  at  the  last 
satisfied  that  it  did  not  pay  to  be  “ penny-wise  and  pound 
foolish.  ” 

Unfortunately,  the  happy  day  never  came  to  the  stock- 
holders of  the  turnpike,  when  the  tenth  section  of  their 
charter  should  endanger  the  reaping  of  the  profits  from 
the  road.  This  section  provided  that  when  the  company 
had  received  toll  sufficient  to  cover  the  cost  of  the  road 
together  with  twelve  per  cent  interest,  this  road  should  be- 
come the  property  of  the  Commonwealth.  However,  it  is 
said,  that  the  Salem  turnpike  paid  the  principal  in  full. 
From  a financial  point  of  view  the  turnpike  was  doomed 
from  the  start.  This  was  largely  due  to  the  excessive 
demands  for  land  damages  and  also  to  the  unexpected  diffi- 
culties encountered  which  made  the  final  cost  far  exceed 
the  original  estimate.  The  funds  for  constructing  the 
road  were  obtained  by  twenty-six  assessments  upon  the 
shareholders.  The  first  assessment  was  made  on  April  20, 
1803  and  was  §5,000.00.  Those  that  followed  were  for 
§10,000.00  ; $15,000.00  ; and $20,000.00  ; the  last  one  being 
levied  in  October  1806.  The  total  amount  raised  by  the 
assessments  was  $439,000.00.  This  sum  paid  for  only  twen- 
ty-eight miles  of  the  road ; that  part  which  was  construct- 
ed in  Malden  cost  about  $35,000.00  in  addition.  Other  ex- 
penses necessary  for  its  completion  brought  the  total  cost 


12 


NEWBURYPORT  AND  BOSTON  TURNPIKE. 


of  the  road  well  up  to  half  a million  dollars.  The  total 
amount  of  capital  stock  was  one  thousand  shares,  and 
each  share  represented  an  outlay  of  about  five  hundred 
dollars.  In  order  to  pay  six  per  cent  on  this  great  cost, 
a gross  income  of  more  than  thirty  thousand  dollars  a year 
would  have  been  required,  while  to  pay  the  twelve  per  cent 
net  profit,  allowed  by  section  ten  of  the  charter,  together 
with  the  first  cost,  would  have  demanded  a steady  stream 
of  travel,  day  and  night. 

The  hotel  at  Topsfield  was  twelve  miles  from  Newbury- 
port  and  being  a very  convenient  building  was  considered 
the  best  tavern  on  the  “Eastern”  roads.  It  was  ex- 
pected that  this  hotel  would  be  rented  at  eight  hundred 
dollars  per  year.  The  Lynnfield  hotel  was  only  ten  miles 
from  Charles  River  bridge  and  being  a roomy  house  and 
well  situated  it  was  expected  to  attract  large  numbers  of 
people  from  Boston  and  Salem,  more  especially  during  the 
summer  months.  This  hotel  was  to  be  rented  at  four  hun- 
dred dollars  a year.  Neither  of  these  hotels  were  a source 
of  profit.  The  rent  of  each  was  reduced  from  time  to  time 
to  a low  figure  and  finally  they  were  sold  for  a fraction  of 
their  cost. 

The  first  toll  was  taken  at  the  Newbury  gate,  now  New- 
buryport,  on  Feb.  11,  1805.  The  amount  taken  at  all  the 
gates  during  the  first  twelve  months  was  $2,485.00.  The 
second  year  it  was  $8,150.00,  and  the  gross  amount  re- 
ceived for  toll  from  the  time  of  the  opening  of  the  road 
until  1818,  was  $51,612.00.  The  care  and  maintenance  of 
the  road  cost  from  two  thousand  to  three  thousand  dol- 
lars each  year,  so  that  the  net  income  for  the  first  fifteen 
years  was  only  about  four  hundred  dollars  a year.  For  six 
months  in  1805,  the  toll  taken  at  Newbury  amounted  to 
$2,909.00  ; at  Topsfield  it  was  $251.00  ; and  at  Chelsea, 
$420.00.  For  six  months  in  1819,  the  gate  at  Newbury 
paid  $518.00 ; the  Ipswich  half-gate,  $560.00  ; the  Danvers 
half-gate,  $820.00  ; and  the  Chelsea  gate,  $680.00.  In 
1829  the  Newbury  gate  paid  five  dollars  a week;  the  Row- 
ley  gate,  seven  dollars  and  a half ; the  Topsfield  gate,  five 
dollars  ; and  the  Chelsea  gate,  three  dollars  and  a quarter. 
In  1830,  Ipswich  half-gate  paid  $237.00  ; in  1840  it  paid 


NEWBURYPORT  AND  BOSTON  TURNPIKE. 


13 


$131.00  ; and  in  1841,  only  $86.00.  With  receipts  coming 
in  at  this  rate  the  prospects  for  the  owners  of  the  road 
were  not  exceptionally  good.  It  is  the  general  impression 
that  dividends  were  never  paid  by  the  corporation,  but 
this  is  erroneous.  The  first  dividend  was  paid  January  6, 
1806,  upon  the  earnings  for  nine  months,  and  was  at  the 
rate  of  $2.25  per  share,  less  than  half  of  one  per  cetit. 
The  second  years’  dividend  of  $2.00  a share  was  declared 
July  17,  1806.  The  third  dividend,  of  $2.70  a share,  was 
declared  January  5,  1807  and  was  the  largest  of  any  paid. 
In  1819  the  nineteenth  dividend  was  declared  for  the 
amount  of  $2.50  a share  and  in  1820  the  twenty-second  divi- 
dend of  fifty  cents  a share  was  declared.  In  July,  1823, 
the  hotels  were  sold  and  five  dollars  a share  was  returned 
to  each  shareholder.  The  Lynnfield  hotel  brought 
$2,550.00,  and  Cyrus  Cummings  of  Topsfield  paid 
$3,035.00  for  the  hotel  in  that  town.*  There  were  very 
few  transfers  of  stock  and  they  were  mostly  forced  sales 
made  necessary  by  the  settlement  of  estates.  In  1814,  two 
shares  sold  for  $63.00  each;  in  1831,  fifty  shares  brought 
$525.00,  that  is,  $10.50  a share ; and  in  1841,  seven  shares 
sold  for  fifty-seven  cents  a share. 

The  stage  coaches  which  ran  over  the  turnpike  were 
not  owned  by  the  corporation  and  great  difficulty  would 
have  been  experienced  in  paying  the  running  expenses 
had  it  not  been  for  the  tolls  collected  from  “The  Eastern 
Stage  Company.”  The  old  line  of  mail  stages  started  by 
Ezra  Lunt  in  1774  was  succeeded  in  1794  by  Jacob  Hale’s 
four-horse  coach,  which  was  run  until  the  Eastern  Stage 
Company  was  incorporated  in  June,  1818.  Starting  from 
Newburyport  the  stage  line  followed  the  old  post  road 
which  wound  about  from  one  post  office  to  another,  forty- 
three  miles  to  Boston,  and  required  eight  hours  to  pass 
over  its  devious  route.  Later  the  time  was  shortened  to 
six  hours.  The  owners  of  the  turnpike  saw  that  the  carry- 
ing of  mail  over  their  road  would  be  an  item  of  income  so 

*The  Topsfield  hotel  was  kept  by  Mr.  Cummings  for  a number  of  years.  In 
1844  it  was  taken  down  and  removed  to  the  beach  at  Clifton,  where  it  was  rebuilt 
substantially  as  before.  It  was  rented  as  a summer  resort,  and  during  the  season 
a steamboat  made  regular  trips  to  and  from  Boston,  landing  the  passengers  in 
boats.  The  venture  was  not  a financial  success  and  on  January  1, 1846,  the  build- 
ing was  totally  destroyed  by  fire. 


14 


NEWBURYPORT  AND  BOSTON  TURNPIKE. 


in  1817,  Nicholas  Pike  and  others  sent  a petition  to  the 
Postmaster  General,  stating  that  the  Newburyport  Turn- 
pike Corporation  had  built  a turnpike  from  Newburyport 
to  Boston,  at  a cost  of  nearly  half  a million  dollars,  “ gen- 
erally supposed  to  be  the  best  in  the  United  States,  by 
which  they  had  shortened  the  distance  between  these 
towns  about  eight  miles.  By  the  present  mail  route  six 
hours  are  required  for  the  passage  of  mail,  by  the  Turnpike 
it  can  be  done  in  four,”  said  the  petitioners.  Another  ap- 
peal to  Congress  was  made  in  1818,  setting  forth  that  the 
road  was  a great  public  convenience,  but  that  the  cost  of 
building  had  been  so  large  that  the  owners  had  suffered 
great  loss  from  the  investment  and  asking  assistance  from 
the  general  government.  It  was  a great  question,  which 
for  many  years  was  a bone  of  contention  between  political 
parties,  whether  Congress  had  the  right  to  spend  any  part 
of  the  revenue  of  the  country  upon  “ internal  improve- 
ments,” such  is  canals,  roads,  bridges,  etc..  It  was  within 
the  power  of  Congress  to  help,  however,  to  the  extent  of 
ordering  the  United  States  mail  to  be  carried  over  this 
turnpike,  which  was  finally  done.  This  was  brought  about 
by  the  organization  of  the  Eastern  Stage  Company  of  which 
Dr.  Nehemiah  Cleveland  of  Topsfield  was  the  first  Presi- 
dent. The  toll  paid  by  the  Company  for  the  privilege  of 
passing  the  Newbury  gate  was  $865.00  a year,  which  gave 
the  use  of  the  road  as  far  as  Topsfield  where  the  stage 
turned  off  at  “ the  half-way  house  ” in  order  to  collect  mail 
in  other  towns.  As  the  business  of  the  stage  coach  in- 
creased the  toll  paid  for  the  use  of  the  road  also  increased. 
In  1824  the  Company  paid  $800.00  ; in  1830,  the  sum  of 
$900.00;  and  in  1834,  the  charges  were  increased  to  $1000. 
a year.  But  this  included  the  privilege  to  run  all  sta- 
ges, carriages,  post  chaises,  and  wagons,  over  the  entire 
length  of  the  road.  The  great  ridges  at  Topsfield  were 
very  trying  to  the  strength  of  weary  horses,  as  well  as  dan- 
gerous to  passengers.  Accidents  were  not  uncommon  and 
some  of  the  best  stage  drivers  refused  to  drive  coaches  over 
the  turnpike.  Some  of  the  best  known  drivers,  over  this 
route,  were  Ackerman,  Barnabee  and  Forbes.  The  stage 
that  carried  “ the  great  eastern  mail,  ” at  first  turned  off 


NEWBURYPORT  AND  BOSTON  TURNPIKE. 


15 


at  the  “ half-way  house  ” in  Topsfield,  thence  going  to  Dan- 
vers and  to  Salem,  but  afterwards  it  followed  the  “air 
line  ” to  Boston.  This  coach  ran  light.  In  the  ordinary 
coach  there  was  always  room  for  one  more  ; in  the  mail 
stage  only  four  passengers  were  allowed  to  be  carried. 
The  fare  from  Boston  to  Newburyport  was  two  dollars  by 
the  ordinary  stage,  but  by  the  mail  stage  it  was  two  dol- 
lars and  fifty  cents.  The  stage  company  carried  the  mail 
from  Portsmouth  to  Boston  and  a passenger  travelling 
between  these  points  paid  four  dollars  for  his  transpor- 
tation. Drivers  of  the  old  stage  coaches,  to  be  accom- 
modating, sometimes  carried  express  parcels,  but  after  some 
owners  had  tried  to  obtain  damages  from  the  Company  for 
parcels  which  had  been  lost  it  was  voted  at  a meeting 
of  the  Directors  that  “drivers  are  expressly  prohibited 
from  carrying  any  money  or  packages  not  accounted  for 
to  the  company’s  agent,”  and  at  a later  meeting  it  appeared 
that  a “committee  is  considering  the  subject  of  drivers 
carrying  provisions  from  sundry  places  to  Boston  for  sale, 
contrary  to  a vote  of  the  directors.”  In  April  1819  the 
following  was  recorded  : “the  company  do  not  consider 
themselves  accountable  for  the  loss  of  any  baggage,  bun- 
dles or  packages  whatever,  committed  to  the  care  of  the 
drivers,  or  otherwise  put  into  their  stages.”  The  Eastern 
Stage  Company  was  very  prosperous  and  paid  good  divi- 
dends on  its  stock,  which  in  1884  was  worth  over  two 
hundred  per  cent.  In  1825  the  company  owned  two  hun- 
dred and  eighty-seven  horses,  thirty-five  coaches  and  twelve 
chaises.  The  stables  and  workshops  were  located  in  New- 
buryport and  covered  a large  area.  The  Wolfe  Tavern, 
at  Newburyport,  was  purchased  by  the  Company  in  1828 
and  became  the  head  quarters  and  starting  point  and  also 
the  home  station  of  the  coaches  of  the  Company.  The 
Eastern  Stage  Company  flourished  for  about  twenty  years. 
After  the  advent  of  the  railroad  the  coaches  became  few 
in  number  and  at  last,  “ Major  ” Samuel  Shaw  put  on  a 
coach  with  the  fare  at  one  dollar  and  fifty  cents  to  Boston, 
and  the  stage  company  ran  a coach  in  opposition  with  the 
fare  at  one  dollar. 

The  necessity  for  the  turnpike  having  passed  away,  be- 


16 


NEWBURYPORT  AND  BOSTON  TURNPIKE. 


fore  long  it  seemed  desirable  that  portions  of  it  should  be- 
come public  highways  and  therefore  in  1850  the  County 
of  Essex  paid  to  Richard  Stone,  the  last  treasurer  of  the 
corporation,  the  sum  of  one  thousand  dollars  and  in  1851, 
twelve  hundred  dollars  was  also  paid  for  a portion  of  the 
turnpike  which  was  laid  out  as  a county  road.  That  part 
of  the  road  extending  from  Rowley  to  Lynnlield,  was  ac- 
cepted as  a County  road  on  May  10,  1849.  The  tollhouses 
were  sold  prior  to  1851  and  probably  no  toll  was  taken 
after  1847. 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY, 
MASSACHUSETTS. 


BY  WALTER  DAVIS,  JR. 


1 William  Wild  is  first  mentioned  in  connection 
with  the  New  World  on  the  passenger  list  of  the  ship 
“ Elizabeth,”  of  London,  which  sailed  for  New  England  in 
the  spring  of  1685.  With  him  came  Alice  Wild,  aged 
forty  years,  whose  relationship  to  him  is  uncertain,  and  his 
brother,  John  Wild,  aged  seventeen.  This  list  of  passen- 
gers, which  is  among  the  records  of  the  London  Custom 
House,  shows  that  he  was  thirty  years  of  age  in  1635,  from 
which  the  year  of  his  birth  may  be  approximated  as  1605. 
William  Wild  settled  in  Ipswich  before  1638,  when  his 
name  first  appears  on  the  records  of  the  town  in  a grant 
of  land  to  Henry  Wilkinson,  dated  July  25,  1638. 

“ Granted  to  Henry  Wilkinson  by  the  company  of  free- 
man 1635  three  acres  of  planting  ground  on  the  south  syde 
the  Towne  River.  Also  hee  is  possessed  of  three  acres 
adjoyning  unto  the  same,  the  which  latter  three  acres  hee 
bought  of  Robert  Hayes,  and  was  granted  unto  ye  sayde 
Robert  Hayes  at  the  same  tyme  the  whole  six  acres,  having 
a planting  lott  of  Robert  Cross  on  the  East,  and  a house 
lott  of  John  Dayne’s  on  the  West,  also  on  the  same  syde 
a planting  lott  of  William  Wildes,  buting  upon  the  North 
end  upon  the  river.  Also  three  acres  of  planting  ground 
lying  upon  Sogamore  Hill,  having  Andrew  Story’s  lott  on 
the  Southeast,  and  Michaell  Williamson’s  lott  on  the 
Northeast.” 

No  record  of  grants  of  land  to  William  Wild  in  Ipswich 
can  be  found,  but  from  a deed  made  by  his  nieces  in  1685, 
the  following  is  learned  concerning  his  Ipswich  property. 
“ One  dwelling  house  wch  said  William  Decd  out  of  with 
all  buildings  Edifices  yr  upon  & Rights  of  Comons  yr  unto 
belonging  ye  said  house  lott  being  one  acre  more  or  les 
with  all  ye  trees  & fences  appertaining  & belonging  also 
five  acres  or  six  acres  or  thereabout  being  more  or  less 

(H) 


18  THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 

bounded  by  the  land  of  Aaron  Pengry  So-west  & Goodwife 
Quilters  & Henry  Osburnes  also  Bounded  No-west  by 
Moses  Pengry  land  Northerly  by  Thomas  Medcalfs  land 
No : East  by  land  in  possession  of  Caleb  Kimball  which  is 
Scituate  in  ye  comon  feild  upon  ye  north  side  of  Ipswich 
river.”  (Essex  Deeds,  Vol.  15,  leaf  119.) 

In  1648,  the  town  records  of  Rowley  show  that  a house 
lot  on  “ Bradford  streete,”  was  granted  to  William  Wild, 
“ containing  an  Acree  and  an  halfe  bounded  on  the  South 
side  by  Thomas  Palmers  house  Lott : part  of  it  lying  on 
the  West  side  and  part  of  it  on  the  East  side  of  the 
streete.”  In  the  same  year  he  received  grants  of  forty- 
eight  acres  of  pasture  land,  marsh  and  upland  in  Rowley. 
He  accumulated  a large  estate  in  Rowley  as  the  following 
deeds  show. 

William  Wild''  of  Rowley,  carpenter,  sold  to  James 
Barker,  tailor,  “ five  acres  of  land  ...  in  Bradford  streete 
lotts  . . . bounded  by  ye  land  of  William  Jackson  toward  the 
north  and  the  land  of  Thomas  Palmer  toward  the  South 
having  the  highwaye  on  the  east  & the  common  on  the 
west.”  April  16,  1652.  (Ipswich  Deeds,  Vol.  1,  p.  126.) 

William  Wild  of  Ipswich,  sold  to  George  Hadley  of 
Rowley,  all  the  “ accomodations  granted  unto  him  by  the 
towne  of  Rowley  at  Merrimack  river  nere  Haverill,  viz  : 
all  his  house  and  barne  & fifteen  acres  of  land  about  it, 
lying  & being  by  Merrimack  river,  having  the  land  of 
Robert  Hazeltine  toward  the  east  & the  town  pasture 
toward  the  west : alsoe  twenty  eight  acres,  be  it  more  or 
less,  lying  at  the  end  of  the  aforesaid  land  . . . alsoe  two 
hundred  acres,  be  it  more  or  less,  having  the  land  of 
Robert  Hasseltine  toward  the  east,  Rowley  comon  toward 
the  west  & the  land  last  mentioned  toward  the  north  & 
Rowley  comon  toward  the  south.”  Dec.  17,  1655. 
(Ipswich  Deeds,  Vol.  1,  p.  182.) 

William  Wild  of  Ipswich,  sold  to  Robert  Andrews  “ a 
parcell  of  land  being  part  of  the  village  land  of  Rowley 
conteining  seaventy  acres  ...  as  it  lyeth  bounded  by  other 
land  of  the  Said  Robert  Andrews  wch  he  purchased  of 
John  Lambert  toward  the  southeast  & Southwest,  the  land 
of  Abel  Langley  toward  the  norwest  shooteing  down  to 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY.  19 


Pye  brook  toward  the  northeast.”  July  26,  1661.  (Ip- 
swich Deeds,  Vol.  2,  p.  49.) 

William  Wild  of  Ipswich,  sold  to  William  Boynton  of 
Rowley  “all  my  land  lying  upon  Merrimack  river,  with 
the  privilidges  thereof  as  it  lyeth  bounded,  the  vilage  land 
eastward,  the  land  of  Thomas  Palmer  southward,  Merri- 
mack river  westward  and  the  land  of  William  Jackson 
northward.”  Oct.  26,1661.  (Ipswich  Deeds,  Vol.  2,  p.  90.) 

William  Wyld  of  Rowley  was  made  a freeman,  January 
31,  1646. 

The  above  records  show  that  Wild  returned  to  Ipswich 
about  1655,  where  he  practiced  his  trade  of  carpentering. 
It  is  recorded  in  January,  1656,  that  the  selectmen  de- 
termined to  build  a wharf  for  the  use  of  the  town,  and 
“ for  the  oversight  and  caring  on  of  the  cappenters  worke. 
have  named  and  apoynted  Henry  Pindar  and  William 
Wild.”  William  Wyld  was  also  appointed  a fence  viewer 
in  1658.  He  died  in  Ipswich  between  May  6 and  Sept. 
80,  1662,  leaving  his  estate  to  his  widow  Elizabeth.  Al, 
though  he  was  not  among  the  wealthiest  men  in  the  colony, 
he  had  a large  estate  for  the  times.  His  will  and  inventory- 
both  on  file  in  Salem,  follow  : 

“ I william  wild  of  Ipswich  in  the  county  of  Effex  in  New 
England  being  at  prefent  Sicke  and  weake  of  body  but 
through  Gods  mercye  Inioyeing  my  vnderstanding  and 
memory  doe  make  & ordaine  this  my  last  will  and  Testa- 
ment first  I giue  my  soule  into  the  hands  of  Jefus  christ 
my  Redeemer  my  Body  to  be  defently  buried  And  for  my 
outward  estate  which  the  Lord  hath  beene  pleafed  to  giue 
I difpofe  of  as  followeth  After  my  debts  & funerall  ex- 
pences  are  difcharged  I doe  giue  and  bequeath  vnto  my 
beloued  wife  Elizabeth  wild  my  dwelling  houfe  and  all  my 
land  for  the  toorme  of  her  natural  Life  and  after  her  de- 
ceafe  I giue  all  my  fayd  houfe  and  Land  I doe  giue  vnto 
John  wild  the  sonn  of  John  wild  of  Topffield  my  Kinfman 
Item  I doe  giue  and  bequeath  vnto  my  Kinfman  John  wild 
Senior  of  Topffield  tenn  pounds  wch  he  the  sayd  John  wild 
hath  in  his  hands  of  myne  & doe  order  the  bond  I haue  of 
him  for  it  to  be  rendered  up  vnto  him  after  my  deceafe 
Item  I doe  giue  vnto  Robert  Ames  the  sum  of  five  pounds 


20  THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 

to  be  payd  by  my  executrix  within  one  yeare  after  my 
death  Alfoe  I giue  vnto  marke  Warner  the  Summ  of  five 
pound  Alfoe  I giue  vnto  Hanah  Lampfon  the  summ  of 
ten  pounds  to  be  payd  by  my  executrix  as  my  Overffeers 
shall  apoynt  and  the  rest  of  my  estate  I leave  vnto  my 
beloued  wife  Elizabeth  wild  whom  I make  sole  executrix 
of  this  my  last  will  and  testament  And  I doe  defire  my 
Loueing  friends  Theophilus  willfon  william  white  & Robert 
Lord  senior  to  be  my  overfeers  to  fee  that  this  my  last  will 
be  pformed  according  to  the  true  intent  & meaneing  there- 
of And  it  is  my  will  and  mynd  that  If  my  Kinfman  John 
wild  Junior  depart  this  life  before  he  come  to  age  or  before 
the  fayd  houfe  & Land  comes  into  his  poffefion  that  then 
it  be  devided  among  the  children  of  John  wild  senior 
vnleff  the  Sayd  John  leaue  heires  then  to  be  vnto  them 
In  wittnes  that  this  is  my  last  will  & testament  I haue 
heervnto  fett  my  hand  the  Sixt  day  of  may  in  the  yeare 
one  thoufand  Six  hundred  sixty  two  1662 
william  wild  did 
subfcribe  this  & declare 

it  to  be  his  last  will  William  Wild 

in  the  prefence  of  vs 

Theophilus  wilfon 

William  White 

Robert  Lord 

qpved  in  court  held  at  Ipfwich  the  30th  of  September 
1662  by  the  oath  of  Theophilus  willfon  & Robert  Lord  to 
be  the  last  will  and  testament  of  william  wilde  to  the  beft 
of  there  knowledge 

p me  Robert  Lord  cleric 

An  Inventory  of  the  estate  of  william  wyld  of  Ipfwich 
lately  deceafed  taken  the  26  of  June  1662 
Imprimus  the  dwelling  houfe  orchyard 

ground  about  it  & 6 acre  planting  lott  46  - 0-0 


Itt  a mare  and  three  colts  31  - 0-0 

It.  two  cowes  & 2 yearlings  11  - 0-0 

It.  three  oxen  18  - 0-0 

It.  6’hoggs  & 3 piggs  04-10-0 

It.  in  the  hall  2 little  tables  0 - 6-0 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


21 


It.  3 chaires  2 formes  & a stoole  0 - 7-6 

It.  a Cubberd  2 chests  & a box  1 - 4-0 

It  a kneading  trough  one  tub  two  keelirs 

5 trayes  2 beere  veffels  & pails  0-12-0 

It  one  poudering  [torn]  & od  wooden  things  0 - 6-0 

It.  In  earthern  ware  0 - 5-0 

It.  one  chamber  pott  & other  pewter  0-13-0 

It.  a.  braf  kettell  skillett  & warming  pan  1 - 4-0 

It.  2 Iron  potts  & other  Iron  things  1 - 4-0 

It.  6 old  axes  3 old  fickles  3 wedges  one 

broad  how  2 beetell  rings  & a hammer  1 - 2-0 

It.  In  weareing  apparrell  one  cloake 

Jackett  Breeches  & hatt  6-14-4 

It.  a fearge  sute  1-10-0 

It  a cloth  coat  & fute  & other  old  apparell  1-10-0 

It  2 paire  of  shoes  & 4 paire  of  stockens  1-00-0 

It  one  yard  & halfe  of  woollen  cloath  0 - 4-6 

It  7 yards  of  cotton  & wooleing  cloaths  1 - 1-0 

It  a payr  of  sheets  & table  cloaths  [torn]  5 - 0-0 

It  half  a dozen  of  Napkins  0 - 9-0 

It  7 shirts  1-15-0 

It  three  cuf  hons  0 - 5-0 

It  one  bedsted  1 - 0-0 

It.  for  curtaines  & valance  1-15-0 

It.  a fether  bed  boulster  & three  pillows  4-10-0 

It.  a blankett  coverlet  & Rug  3 - 0-0 

It.  one  bedsted  strawbed  flock  boul- 
ster blankett  & coverlett  1-15-0 

It.  in  drest  hempe  0-10-0 

It.  barke  tubs  0-05-0 

It.  in  sheepe  woole  0 - 5-0 

It.  coslett  pike  and  sword  1 - 4-0 

It.  a tub  with  4 bushells  of  wheate  1 - 1-0 

It.  one  ewe  lamb  -10-0 

It.  fowling  peece  0-18-0 

It.  a crofe  cut  Saw  0-05-0 

It.  by  debts  owing  to  the  estate  71-10-6 

Summa  Tottalis  225  - 14  - 6 
debt  oweing  from  the  estate  about  5-00-0 

Theophilus  wilfon 
Robert  Lord  Jnior 


22 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


Alice  Wild,  whose  name  was  on  the  passenger  list  of  the 
Elizabeth,  is  not  mentioned  on  New  England  records,  so 
far  as  yet  discovered.  It  seems  probable,  however,  that 
she  may  have  been  the  first  wife  of  William  and  that  she 
died  soon  after  their  arrival.  Elizabeth  Wild  is  first 
mentioned  as  the  wife  of  William  Wild,  in  1652,  when 
she  consents  to  a transfer  of  land  (Ipswich  Deeds,  Vol.  1, 
p.  126.)  After  her  husband’s  death  in  1662,  she  married 
Richard  Moore  of  Lynn,  on  November  6,  1662.  Her 
agreement  with  Moore  concerning  her  estate  is  recorded  in 
Ipswich  Deeds,  Vol.  2,  leaf  224,  as  follows  : — 

“ Know  all  men  by  these  presents  that  there  being  a 
marriage  intended  between  Richard  Moore  of  Lynn  and 
Elizabeth  Wild  of  Ipswich  . . . the  said  Richard  Moore 
shall  have  the  estate  of  the  said  Elizabeth  to  make  use 
of  and  improve  during  the  time  that  it  shall  please  the 
Lord  they  continue  to  gether  but  the  said  Elizabeth  still 
shall  have  power  (of  what  estate  she  brings)  to  dispose  of 
as  she  shall  think  best  at  the  time  of  her  death  : and  in  case 
the  sayd  Richard  Moore  depart  this  life  before  the  sayd 
Elizabeth,  that  then  the  sayd  Richard  Moore  doth  by  these 
presents  engage  himself  to  give  unto  her  the  said  Elizabeth 
the  summ  of  forty  pounds  (besides  her  own  estate  she 
brings  to  him).”  October  30,  1662. 

The  will  of  her  second  husband,  Richard  Moore,  mentions 
his  widow,  their  contract  before  marriage,  and  his  three 
sons,  Thomas,  John,  and  Samuel  Moore.  This  will  was 
made  November  29,  1688,  and  probated  September  24, 
1689.  The  date  of  her  death  is  unknown. 

2 John  Wild  was  born  in  England  in  1618  and 
settled  with  his  brother  at  Ipswich.  In  1637  the  new 
settlers  were  plunged  into  war  with  the  Pequot  Indians 
and  John  Wild  was  among  the  men  of  Ipswich  who 
served,  receiving  3s.  for  this  service  in  1639.  His  name 
was  also  in  the  list  of  soldiers  to  whom  it  was  “ agreed 
that  each  soldier  for  their  service  to  the  Indians  shall  be 
allowed  12s.  a day.”  December  4,  1643.  The  date  of  his 
removal  to  New  Meadows  or  Topsfield,  as  it  became  in 
1648,  is  unknown,  but  it  probably  occurred  about  1645  at 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


23 


the  time  of  his  marriage  to  Priscilla,  daughter  of  Zaccheus 
Gould,  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  and  most  prominent  men 
of  the  town. 

The  first  record  found  after  his  settlement  in  Topsfield 
is  a deed  of  sale,  dated  July  15,  1654,  from  John  Wilds, 
carpenter,  to  Robert  Andrews,  for  twenty  acres  of  upland 
“ Lying  between  ye  upland  of  John  Willds  towards  the 
South  West  & Daniel  Clark  toward  ye  North  & northeast 
Abutting  upon  a Comon  Way  towards  the  Southeast  & 
ground  of  ye  sd  Daniel  Clarks  toward  ye  north  West.” 
On  July  5,  1660  he  purchased  of  Richard  Swaine  of 
Hampton  one  hundred  acres  of  upland  “bounded  with  the 
comon  land  in  Topsfield  toward  ye  northwest,  land  of  the 
said  John  Wild  toward  the  northeast,  land  of  Thomas 
Perkins  & Robert  Andrews  towards  the  Southwest,  and 
land  of  John  Readdington  towards  the  Southeast.”  Be- 
tween 1663  and  1686  he  sold  ninety-four  acres  of  land  in 
Topsfield  at  various  times  to  William  Acie  of  Rowley, 
John  French,  Thomas  Perkins,  William  Perkins,  and 
Robert  Andrews  of  Topsfield. 

The  town  records  of  Topsfield  contain  the  following 
items  relating  to  John  Wild: — 

John  Wiles  shared  in  the  common  land  in  1661. 

Minister’s  rate,  1664,  John  Wiles,  01-12-10. 

County  rate,  1668,  John  Wilds,  13-3-0. 

“ John  Wiles  and  danil  borman  are  Chosen  to  vew 
fences  this  yeare  insuing.”  March,  1677/8. 

John  Wiles  took  the  Oath  of  Allegiance  and  Fidelity  in 
1677  and  1678. 

He  served  on  committees  to  lay  out  land  or  to  run 
bounds,  eleven  times  between  1663  and  1686. 

“John  willes  is  Chosen  Juriman  of  trials  for  this  naxt 
Court  to  be  at  Ipswich.”  March  2,  1679/80. 

“John  willes  and  John  how  a [re]  Chosen  to  looke  that 
men  Ring  thare  swine  acording  to  towne  order.”  May  10, 
1680. 

He  was  a member  of  a committee  to  confer  with  Mr. 
Danforth  “for  his  Continuing  with  vs  at  topcfeeld^  m the 
worke  of  the  minestri  ” in  1680. 

“ Lliut  pebody  Deckon  perkins  Sargt  Redington  James 


24  THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 

How  senr  Mr.  Tho : Baker  John  Gould  Sargt  peobody 
Samuell  Busell  senr  John  Wilds  John  How  Iacke  estey 
Clarke  are  Chosen  a Commity  to  discorse  with  Mr.  Capen 
to  stay  and  preach  here  with  vs  at  Topsfeild  a while.” 
July  29,  1681. 

His  rating  was  eighteenth  in  the  minister’s  rate  in  1681, 
with  one  hundred  and  five  men  taxed. 

“ The  Towne  has  Lefte  it  to  ye  selectmen  adding  Will : 
Auerey  & Isacke  Estey  & John  Wilds  to  ye  selectmen  for 
ye  seateing  of  pepall  in  our  meeting  house.”  Nov.  21,  1682. 

“ John  Wilds  is  chosen  a tieingman  and  his  presinkes  is 
from  Samuel  Howlett  & all  ye  ffaimelies  there  about  by 
Deckon  perkins  & all  about  Daniell  Clarke.”  March  18, 
1682/3. 

“ John  Wilds  & Elisha  perkins  are  Chosen  seueruoyes 
for  hie  Wayes  & ffences  for  this  yeare  ” March  6,  1682. 

In  1684  John  Wilds  and  his  wife  were  members  in  full 
communion  of  the  Topsfield  Church.  Priscilla  (Gould) 
Wilds  had  died  in  1662  and  he  had  married  Sarah  Averill, 
November  23,  1663. 

During  the  long  dispute  which  the  colonies  had  with 
the  government  of  Charles  II.  concerning  the  validity  of 
their  charter,  the  town  of  Topsfield  took  action  as  fol- 
lows: — “Wee  doe  hereby  declare  yt  wee  are  Ytterly 
Vnwilling  to  yeeld  ether  to  a Resignation  of  the  Charter 
or  to  anything  yt  shall  be  equeualent  there  Vnto  Whereby 
ye  foundation  there  of  should  be  raced.  Wee  Whoes 
Names  are  Vnder  Wrighteen  doe  hereby  declare  that  Wee 
are  desierous  yt  all  humbell  applecation  be  made  to  his 
Maiesty  yt  Wee  may  still  inioy  or  priuiliges  acording  to 
charter 

John  How 
William  perkins 
John  Robinson 
John  Wilds 
John  Townes  ” 

It  is  difficult  to  reconcile  John  Wild’s  sentiments  as 
expressed  in  this  record  to  the  fact  that  he  was  one  of  the 
chief  witnesses  against  his  brother-in-law,  Lieut.  John 
Gould,  who  was  charged  with  treason  on  August  5,  1686, 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


25 


for  expressing  the  same  sentiments  in  a more  forcible  and 
indiscrete  manner.  It  would  seem  that  the  relations  be- 
tween the  Wild  and  Gould  families  became  strained  after 
the  death  of  Priscilla  (Gould)  Wild,  and  John  Wild’s 
second  marriage.  The  fact  that  John  Wild,  Jr.’s  will  was 
made  in  1676,  in  order  “that  my  father  may  com  to  no 
trobell  by  any  claims  of  my  onkel  gould,”  is  further  evi- 
dence toward  this  conclusion.  The  part  which  the  family 
of  Wild’s  first  wife  played  in  the  trial  of  his  second  wife 
for  witchcraft,  in  1692,  will  be  shown  later. 

When  the  terrible  Witchcraft  delusion  swept  over  Es- 
sex county,  the  Wild  family  were  among  the  greatest  suf- 
ferers. The  wife,  two  daughters,  and  a son-in-law  of  John 
Wild,  were  all  imprisoned,  but  all  escaped  except  his  wife, 
Sarah  Wild,  who  was  convicted  and  executed. 

On  April  9,  1690,  John  Wilds,  carpenter,  transferred 
to  his  son  Ephraim  Wilds  “in  Conlideration  of  ye 
Natural  afection  I beare  to  my  Son  ” and  “in  Conlidera- 
tion of  Seuen  yeares  Seruice  that  I had  of  him  when  he 
might  have  been  for  himselfe  ...  all  my  housing  lands 
& meadows  together  with  all  my  stork  of  Cattol  Sheep 
Swine  Carts  ploughs  houfehold  Stuffe  of  all  Sorts  & kinds 
whatsoever.”  The  farm  was  bounded  as  follows  : “ vfith 
lands  of  John  ffranches  on  ye  west  and  lands  of  Mr.  Wil- 
liam Perkins  towards  ye  South  & with  lands  formerly  J ohn 
Reddingtons  towards  ye  east  and  with  lands  formerly 
Robert  Andrews  and  Mr.  Baker  towards  ye  north.”  The 
old  Wildes  homestead,  which  remained  standing  until 
1835,  was  situated  in  what  is  now  a pear  orchard  at  the 
forks  of  the  road  coming  from  Mile  Brook  bridge.  On 
June  26,  1693,  John  Wild  married  for  his  third  wife, 
Mary  Jacobs  of  Salem.  During  the  latter  years  of  his 
life  he  is  referred  to  in  the  town  records  as  “ old  father 
Wildes.”  He  died  in  Topsfield,  May  14,  1705,  at  the  age 
of  eighty-five  years. 

Priscilla  Gould,  daughter  of  Zaccheus  and  Phoebe  (Dea- 
con) Gould,  the  first  wife  of  John  Wild,  was  probably 
born  during  her  father’s  residence  at  Great  Missenden, 
England,  about  1625,  but  it  cannot  be  stated  with  certain- 
ty as  the  records  of  Great  Missenden  have  been  destroyed 


26  THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 

by  fire.  Zacclieus  Gould,  whose  ancestry  has  been  traced 
through  many  generations  of  English  yeomen,  came  to 
New  England  with  his  family  about  1639.  He  lived  at 
Weymouth  and  Lynn  and  finally  settled  at  Topsfield  in 
1644  where  he  became  one  of  the  most  prominent  men  and 
the  greatest  land-owner  in  the  locality  leaving  an  estate  of 
three  thousand  acres  at  the  time  of  his  death.  Priscilla 
(Gould)  Wild  died  in  Topsfield,  April  16,  1663.  Her 
share  in  the  estate  of  her  father  was  paid  to  her  children 
by  her  brother  Lieut.  John  Gould. 

Sarah  Averill  was  probably  the  daughter  of  William 
Averill  who  was  an  inhabitant  of  Ipswich  as  early  as  1639. 
It  is  certain  that  she  was  a sister  of  William  Averill  of 
Topsfield.  She  married  John  Wild,  November  23,  1663. 
The  marriage  of  John  Wild  and  Sarah  Averill  within  a 
year  of  the  death  of  Priscilla  (Gould)  Wild,  seems  to  have 
caused  trouble  between  Wild  and  two  relatives  of  his  first 
wife,  Lieut.  John  Gould,  her  brother,  and  Mary,  wife  of 
J ohn  Reddington,  her  sister,  who  lived  on  an  adjoining 
farm.  The  first  intimation  of  this  state  of  affairs, 
appears  in  the  statement  John  Wild,  Jr.,  made  in  his 
will,  regarding  his  Gould  inheritance,  in  order  that 
his  father  might  not  be  troubled  by  any  claims  of  his 
uncle  Gould.  In  1686  the  breach  was  widened  by  the 
testimony  of  John  Wild  against  John  Gould  on  the 
charge  of  treason.  Shortly  after  this  episode,  Mary  Red- 
dington began  to  spread  witchcraft  stories  about  Sarah 
Wild  through  the  town  and  it  is  to  her  authority  that 
most  of  the  evidence  against  Sarah  Wild  may  be  traced. 
When  John  Wild  threatened  to  sue  her  husband  for  slan- 
er,  she  denied  her  previous  statements,  but  evil  had  already 
been  wrought.  Now  the  Goulds  were  related  to  the  Put- 
nam family  of  Salem  Village,  in  whose  home  the  delusion 
originated  and  who  were  the  chief  accusers  in  the  trials  to 
come  and  it  is  probable  that  the  accusations  brought 
against  Sarah  Wild  by  their  Topsfield  connections,  were 
brought  to  the  willing  ears  of  the  afflicted  girls  of  the 
Putnam  family  and  proved  the  immediate  cause  of  her 
arrest.  On  April  21, 1692,  the  following  warrant  was  issued, 
casting  terrible  affliction  upon  several  Topsfield  homes, 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY.  27 


none  more  so  than  that  of  John  Wild,  for  the  warrant 
named  not  only  his  wife  but  his  daughter  and  son-in-law, 
Edward  and  Sarah  Bishop  of  Salem  Village. 

“ Salem  Aprill  the  21th  1692. 

“ There  being  Complaint  this  day  made  (before  vs)  by 
Thomas  Putnam  and  John  Buxton  of  Salem  Village  Yeo- 
men, in  behalfe  of  theire  Majests,  for  themselves  and  also 
for  severall  of  theire  neighbours  Against  William  Hobs 
husbandman  Deliv®  his  wife,  Nehemiah  Abot  junior  weav- 
er, Mary  Easty,  the  wife  of  Isaac  Easty  and  Sarah  Wilds 
the  wife  of  John  Wilds,  all  of  the  Towne  of  Topsfield  or 
Ipswitch  and  Edward  Bishop  husbandman  and  Sarah  his 
wife  of  Salem  Village  and  Mary  Black  A negro  of  Leut. 
Nath  Putnams  of  Salem  Village  also.  And  Mary  English 
the  wife  of  Philip  English  Merchant  in  Salem  for  high 
Suspition  of  Sundry  acts  of  witchcraft  donne  or  Committed 
by  them  Lately  vpon  the  Bodys  of  Anna  putnam  and 
Marcy  Lewis  belonging  to  the  famyly  of  ye  abouesd 
Thomas  Putnam  complain1  and  Mary  Walcot  ye  daughter 
of  Capt  Jonath11  Walcot  of  sd  Salem  Village  and  others, 
whereby  great  hurt  and  dammage  hath  beene  donne  to  ye 
bodys  of  said  persons  abouenamed  therefore  craued  Justice. 

“ You  are  therefore  in  theire  Majestis  names  here  by  Corn- 
required  [sic]  to  Apprehend  and  bring  before  vs  William 

Hobs  husbandman  and his  wife  Nehemian  Abot  Junr 

weaver  Mary  Easty  and  all  the  rest  abouenamed  tomorrow 
aboute  ten  of  the  clocke  in  the  forenoon  at  the  house  of 
Lieut  Nath11  Ingersalls  in  Salem  Village  in  order  to  theire 
examination  Relaiting  to  the  premises  abouesayd  and 
here  of  you  are  not  to  faile. 

Dated  Salem  Aprill  21th  1692 
John  Hathorne 
Jonathan  Corwin 

Assists. 

“ To  George  Herrick  Marshall  of  Essex  : and  or  all  of  ye 
Constables  in  Salem  or  Topsfield  or  any  other  Towne.” 

On  the  next  morning  marshal  Herrick  arrived  at  the 
Wild  home  in  Topsfield.  By  the  irony  of  fate,  Ephraim 
Wild,  the  only  son  of  John  and  Sarah,  was  the  constable  of 


28  THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 

Topsfield  that  year,  and  the  marshal  brought  the  warrant 
to  him.  What  a tragedy  is  laid  bare  in  these  old  and 
musty  records — the  young  man  finding  his  mother’s  name 
upon  the  warrant,  witnessing  her  arrest  and  sad  departure 
from  her  home  and  family,  never  to  return  and  then  slow- 
ly turning  to  his  duty — the  arrest  of  the  remaining  victims. 
His  first  petition  for  the  release  of  his  mother  gives  some 
details  of  the  scene  at  the  house  of  William  Hobbs  : — “ the 
woman  did  show  a ueriey  bad  spirit  when  I sezed : on 
might  almost  se  revenge  in  har  face  she  looked  so  malish- 
osly  on  mee.”  At  her  examination,  which  apparently 
occurred  before  that  of  Sarah  Wild,  Deliverance  Hobbs 
confessed  herself  a witch,  and  “ to  be  revenged  of  mee  ” 
as  Ephraim  Wild  says,  accused  his  mother  of  tormenting 
her.  She  declared  that  the  shape  of  Mrs.  Wild  tore  her 
nearly  to  pieces,  and  passed  her  the  Devil’s  book  to  sign, 
bribing  her  with  promises  of  new  clothes.  The  account 
of  the  examination  of  Sarah  Wild  is  still  preserved  : 

The  examination  of  Sarah  Wilds  at  a Court  held  at 
Salem  village  1692.  by  the  wop=John  Hathorn  & 

Jonathan  Corwin 

The  Suffers  were  seized  with  sou  [fits  as  soon  as]  the 
accused  came  into  the  Court 

Hath  this  woman  hurt  you 

Oh  she  is  vpon  the  beam 

Goody  Bibber  that  never  saw  her  before  says  she  saw 
her  now  vppon  the  beam  & then  said  Bibber  fell  into  a fit 

What  say  you  to  this  are  you  guilty  or  not  ? 

I am  not  guilty.  Sir. 

Is  this  ye  woman  ? speaking  to  the  afflicted. 

They  all  or  most  said  yes,  and  then  fell  into  fits. 

What  do  you  say  are  you  guilty 

I thank  God,  I am  free. 

Here  is  clear  evidence  that  you  have  been  not  only  a 
Tormenter  but  that  you  have  caused  done  (some)  to  signe 
the  book  the  night  before  last.  What  you  say  to  this? 

I never  saw  the  book  in  my  life  and  I never  saw  these 
persons  before. 

Some  of  the  afflicted  fell  into  fits. 

Do  you  deny  this  thing  that  is  ? 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


29 


All  fell  into  fits  and  confirmed  that  the  accused  hurt 
them. 

Did  you  never  consent  that  these  should  be  hurt  ? 

Never  in  my  life 

She  was  charged  by  some  with  hurting  John  Herrick’s 
mother. 

The  accused  denied  it. 

Capt.  How  gave  in  a relation  and  conformation  of  the 
charge  made. 

She  was  ordered  to  be  taken  away  and  they  all  cryed 
out  that  she  was  on  the  beam  and  fell  into  fits. 

The  evidence  of  the  witnesses  that  appeared  against  her 
has  been  lost,  but  from  other  papers  the  names  of  some  of 
them  may  fee  learned.  “John  Herrick’s  mother,”  men- 
tioned in  the  examination,  was  probably  Mary  Reddington, 
whose  daughter  Mary  had  married  John  Herrick.  This 
same  Mary  Reddington,  whose  hatred  seems  to  have  been 
insatiable,  was  responsible  for  the  testimony  of  the  wife  of 
Samuel  Simonds  of  Topsfield,  with  whose  daughter  Eph- 
raim Wild  had  made  a marriage  engagement  which  had 
been  broken  when  the  girl’s  mother  believed  the  gossip 
circulated  by  Mary  Redington.  “And  now  she  will  re- 
ward me  ” the  heart-broken  son  says  in  a petition.  The 
only  other  witness,  of  whom  there  is  any  record,  is  the 
little  daughter  of  Martha  Carrier,  one  of  the  accused.  She 
tells  the  story  of  a witches’  meeting,  held  at  night  in  Mr. 
Parris’s  field,  at  which  Sarah  Wild  and  many  others  were 
present,  pledging  the  Devil  in  wine  cups  filled  with  blood, 
a story  which  received  full  credit  from  the  most  learned 
and  serious  men  of  the  time. 

Mrs.  Wild  was  taken  to  Boston  gaol  on  May  13.  In 
the  interval  of  over  two  months  which  elapsed  before  her 
execution,  her  husband  and  soil  did  everything  in  their 
power  to  prove  the  evidence  against  her  false  and  save  her 
from  death.  Three  of  their  petitions  are  preserved  and  are 
as  follows: 

“ John  Wiells  testifieth  that  he  did  hear  y4  Mary  the 
wife  of  J no  Reddington  did  raise  a report  yt  my  wife  had 
bewitched  her  and  I went  to  ye  saide  Jno  Reddington  and 
told  him  I would  arest  him  for  his  wife  : defaming  of  my 


30 


THE  WILDES  FAMILF  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


wife  but  ye  said  Reddington  desired  me  not  to  do  it  for  it 
would  but  waste  his  estate  and  y*  his  wife  would  a done 
wth  it  in  tyme  and  yt  he  knew  nothing  she  had  against 
mye  wife — after  this  I got  my  brother  Averill  to  goe  to 
ye  said  Sarah  Reddington  and  my  sd  Bror  told  me  y1  he 
told  ye  said  Sarah  Reddington  y*  if  she  had  anything  agst 
my  wife  y*  he  would  be  a means  and  would  help  her  to 
bring  my  wife  out:  and  y*  ye  said  Sarah  Reddington 
replyed  yt  she  new  no  harm  mye  wife  had  done  her. 

“The  testimony  of  Ephraim  Willdes  aged  about  27  or 
therabouts  testifieth  and  saith  that  about  fouer  yers  agoe 
there  was  som  likly  hode  of  my  hauing  one  of  Goody  Si- 
monds  dafter  and  as  the  maid  towld  me  hur  mother  and 
father  were  ueriey  willing  I should  haue  her  but  after 
some  time  I had  a hint  that  Goodeey  Simonds  had  former- 
ly said  she  beleud  my  mother  had  done  her  wrong  and  I 
went  to  hare  and  toch  Marke  how  that  is  now  dead  who 
dyed  at  the  Eastward:  along  with  me  and  before  both  of 
us  she  denied  that  euer  she  had  eneey  grounds  to  think 
any  halme  of  my  mother  only  from  what  Goodiey  Reding- 
ton  had  saide  and  afterwards  I left  the  house  and  went  no 
more  and  euer  since  she  (has)  bene  ueriey  angriey  with 
me  and  now  she  will  reward  mee. 

Ephraim  Willdes” 

“ This  may  inform  this  Honered  Court  That  I Ephraim 
Wildes  being  constabell  for  topsfield  this  yere  and  the 
Marshall  of  Sallem  coming  to  fetch  away  my  mother  he 
then  showed  me  a warrant  from  authority  directed  to  the 
constabel  of  topsfelld  wherein  was  William  Hobbs  and  De- 
liverence  his  wife  with  many  others  and  the  Marshall  did 
then  require  me  forthwith  to  gow  and  aprehend  the 
bodyes  of  William  hobs  and  his  wife  which  acordingly  I 
did  and  I have  had  sereous  thoughts  many  times  sence 
whether  my  sezing  of  them  might  not  be  some  case  of 
here  thus  a cusing  my  mother  thereby  in  some  mesure  to 
be  revenged  of  me  the  woman  did  show  a ueriey  bad  spirit 
when  I sezed  : on  might  allmost  se  revenge  in  har  face  she 
looked  so  malishosly  on  me  as  fore  my  mother  I neuer  saw 
any  harm  by  har  upon  aniey  such  acout  neither  in  word 
nor  action  as  she  is  now  acused  for  she  hath  awlwais  in- 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY.  31 


structed  me  well  in  the  Christian  religon  and  the  wais  of 
God  euer  since  I was  abell  to  take  instructions  and  so  I 
leve  at  all  to  this  honored  Cort  to  consider  of  it 

Ephraim  Willdes” 

All  the  efforts  of  the  family  were  in  vain,  however,  and 
Sarah  Wild  was  executed  on  July  19,  with  Sarah  Good, 
Rebecca  Nourse,  Elizabeth  How  and  Susannah  Martin. 
Edward  and  Sarah  Bishop  managed  to  make  their  escape 
from  prison,  and  Phoebe  (Wild)  Day,  the  other  daugh- 
ter of  John  Wild,  who  was  imprisoned  on  the  same  charge 
at  Ipswich,  was  apparently  never  tried. 

On  June  26, 1693,  John  Wild  married  Mary  Jacobs  of 
Salem.  No  further  record  of  her  can  be  found.  George 
Jacobs  who  also  was  executed  as  a wizard,  left  a widow, 
Mary  Jacobs,  who  possibly  may  have  been  the  one  who 
married  John  Wild. 

Children  by  first  wife  : — 

3.  John. 

4.  Jonathan. 

5.  Sarah. 

6.  Elizabeth. 

7.  Phoebe. 

8.  Priscilla,  b.  April  6,  1658. 

9.  Martha,  b.  May  13,  1660. 

10.  Nathan,  b.  Dec.  14,  1602;  d.  March  17,  1662-3. 

Child  by  second  wife: 

11.  Ephraim,  b.  12th  month,  1665. 

3 John  Wild  is  first  mentioned  in  the  will  of  his 
uncle,  William  Wild  of  Ipswich,  of  whom  he  was  the  prin- 
cipal heir.  He  was  probably  born  about  1643,  as  his  father 
was  first  called  John  Wild,  Sr.  in  1664.  He  sold  his  in- 
herited estate  in  Ipswich  to  John  Harris,  locksmith,  de- 
scribing it  as  follows — dwelling  house,  orchard,  and  home 
lot  in  Ipswich  bounded  on  the  south-west  by  the  common 
highway  on  the  north  side  of  the  river  on  the  street  com- 
monly called  Long  Street;  on  the  south-east  by  the  high- 
way that  goes  into  the  north  field ; on  the  north-east  by 
the  land  of  Thomas  Lovell ; and  on  the  north-west  by  the 


32  THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 

land,  of  John  Edwards.  (Ipswich  Deeds,  Vol.  3,  p.  306). 
John  Wild  served  in  King  Philip’s  War,  and  was  under 
Capt.  Poole,  June  24, 1676,  when  9 pounds,  5s.  8d.  was  due 
to  him.  On  August  24,  of  the  same  year,  6 pounds,  11s. 
6d.  was  paid  to  “ John  Wilde  ” of  Topsfield.  He  died 
between  June  and  September,  1677,  unmarried.  His  will 
follows : — 

This  may  satisfy  whome  it  may  conserne  : that  I John 
Wiles  J uner  have  resaiued  of  my  ffather  that  Land  which 
he  promised  to  my  brother  Johnnathan : and  was  ingaged 
to  him  and  to  mysalfe  by  our  Grandfather  Gould  or  fifty 
pounds  to  be  paied  and  then  my  father  Receiued  his  land 
againe  and  I doe  herby  declar  that  my  ffather  hath  Satisfied 
and  paied  me  both  wliat  was  promised  or  ingaged  to  my 
Brother  Johnathan  and  to  my  salfe  to  my  full  satisfaction 
and  the  intant  of  this  is  that  my  father  may  com,  to  no 
trobell  by  any  claims  of  my  onkel  gould : the  fifty  pounds 
that  was  ingaged  to  me  and  my  brother  Johnnathan  is 
paied  to  me  by  my  father  to  my  full  contant  in  part  of 
that  land  whilh  formerly  was  good  man  dormans  And 
now  I being  prast  to  go  to  the  war  being  desierous  to 
satell  things  before  I goo:  not  knowing  how  god  may  daell 
with  me  in  respact  of  Retarning  againe  : If  I doe  not 

Return  againe  : than  I doe  dispose  of  what  god  hath  given 
me  as  f oloweth  : I have  five  sistors  and  one  Brother  Sarah  : 
Elizabeth  : Phabe  : Pracelah  : Martha : and  Ephrem  and 
my  will  is  that  my  land  at  Hauerill  and  at  topsffeld  and  my 
mouabells  be  aqualy  deuided  amongst  all  the  aboue  named 
sistors  and  brother : and  lat  the  lands  be  prised  and  thos 
that  haue  yr  lands  Shall  paye  to  the  other  that  which  is 
there  proporshon : and  I doe  herby  apint  my  Honrad  : 
ffather  and  louing  onkell  John  Radington  to  be  admeni- 
trators  of  this  eftate  : and  to  paye  all  my  debts  out  of  the 
eftate  before  it  be  deuided : and  this  my  last  will  and 

teftement  in  wetnas  whar  of  I have  sat  too  my  hand  this 
too  and  twantieth  day  of  October  one  thousan  six  hundred 
Savanty  and  six  : ye  22  : of  October  1676  : 
wetnasis 
John  How: 
marah  how 


John  Wild  Juner : 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


33 


This  is  to  declare  that  I John  Wild  of  topffeald  do  pur- 
pos  and  intend  that  my  formor  will  writen  in  October  : be- 
fore my  going  to  the  Eaftward  f hall  ftand  good : prouided 
it  be  the  will  of  god  I retur[n]  not  again 
writen  the:  22.  of  June  77. 
witn||e||ff  our  hands  John  Wild 

John  Herrick 
her 

Sarah  bilhop 
mark 

In  court  held  at  Ipfwich  the  25  of  Sept : 1677  this  will 
pro ued  by  the  oaths  of  John  How  and  marah  How  to  be 
the  last  will  of  J ohn  wild  to  the  best  of  their  knowledge 

as  attest  Robert  Lord  cler. 

This  is  A trew  Inuentory  of  the  goods  and  Eftate  of 
John  wilde  : Junier  : deceafed 
It.  a percell  of  upland  and  medow  which  hee 
does  by  writing  under  his  hand  acknowl- 
edged to  haue  Receiued  of  his  father  in 
lieu  of  fifty  pounds 

It  a peece  of  Indian  : || corn  ||  on  the  ground 
prifed  at  fix  bufhells 
It  four  fheep  at  thirty  shillings 
It  three  ould  woollin  garments  at 
fourteen  shillings 
It  a farge  weftcote  and  fom  ould 
linin  att  four  fhill 
It  an  Iron  pott  feuen  f hilling 
It  an  ould  faddle  three  f hillings 
It  three  faw's  at  fixteen  Shillings 
It  two  ould  axes  fiue  shillings 
It  two  Iron  wedges  three  f hillings 
It  two  chizills  one  f hilling  fix  pance 
It  one  augre  one  f hilling  fix  pance 
It  a pair  of  beetle  Rings  one  fhilling  six  pane 
It  fom  Sheep  wooll  not  appearing 
how  much  Refts  onprised 
It  debts  due  to  him  one  pound 
one  fhilling  eight  pance 


50 

- 00 

i 

o 

o 

00  ■ 

- 18  ■ 

- 00 

01 

- 10 

- 00 

00  ■ 

- 14  - 

- 00 

00  - 

■ 04  - 

- 00 

00  . 

- 07  ■ 

- 00 

00  - 

■ 03  - 

- 00 

00  ■ 

- 16  - 

■ 00 

00  - 

- 05  - 

- 00 

00  - 

■ 03  - 

■ 00 

00  - 

■ 01  - 

. 06 

00  - 

■ 01  - 

■ 06 

00  ■ 

- 01  - 

•06 

01  . 

- 01  - 

- 08 

34 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


It  the  debts  he  oweth : the  creditors 
not  hauing  giuen  in  their 
accounts  : Remain  uncertn  in 
the  purticulars  of  goods  aboue 
mentioned  shall  waue 
aprised  foe  done  by  us  whofe 
names  are  under  written  this 
27th  of  September  1677 

Thomas  Perkins 
William  Auerall 

This  Inventory  deliuered  in  court  held  at  Ipfwich  the 

25  Sept. as  A true  Inventory  of  John  wildes  jun  his 

estate  as  atteft  Robert  Lord  cleric 

4 Jonathan  Wild  was  a soldier  in  King  Philip’s 
War,  as  is  proved  by  the  fact  that  his  nephew,  John  Wildes, 
claimed  a share  in  Narragansett  No.  3,  a township  granted 
to  soldiers  in  King  Philip’s  War,  in  1728,  in  the  right  of 
Johnathan  Wild.  His  inventory  was  presented  and  admin- 
istration granted  to  his  father  30 : 4 mo.  1676,  the  year  of 
the  war,  so  it  seems  probable  that  he  died  in  the  service. 

“ Jonathan  Wild : An  Invintory  of  Jonathan  Wilds  estate 

“ A mare  & old  sadle : 2 : a fmale  gun  : 15s  3 : Saws  : 18s : 
a Book  5s : a broad  ax  : 5s : a square  2s : 6 d : a mortis 
Auger  : 2s : old  iron  12d  : an  old  axe  2s : an  inch  auger 
There  is  a ...  of  land  aboat  15  acres  which  was  to 
be  Jonathans  after  his  fathers  deceafe  this  to  be  confidered 
whether  to  be  in  the  inventory  or  not 

“ These  things  were  apprifed  by  us  : which  are  aboue  men- 
tioned Saueing  only  the  land  : dated  28 : June  : 1676 

John  How 
Wm  Averell  ” 

5 Sarah  Wild  married  Edward  Bishop  of  Salem  and 
Beverly.  In  1681  they  were  residents  of  Topsfield  as  it 
appears  that  “ Edman  bishup  ” was  taxed  in  the  minister’s 
rate  for  that  year.  On  May  25,  1690,  Sarah  Bishop  was 
received  into  Salem  Village  church  from  Topsfield.  In 
1692  Edward  Bishop  and  his  wife  were  accused  of  witch- 
craft and  a warrant  was  issued  for  their  arrest  on  April 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


35 


22.  They  were  confined  in  Salem  goal  and  examined  but 
no  records  of  their  examinations  remain.  They  were  taken 
to  Boston  goal  on  May  13  of  the  same  year  from  whence 
they  were  able  to  make  their  escape  before  October  T. 
During  their  imprisonment  much  of  their  estate  was  con- 
fiscated leaving  their  large  family  practically  homeless. 
After  their  escape  they  moved  to  Rehobo th.  Sarah 

Bishop  was  dismissed  from  the  church  at  Salem  Village  to 
the  Rehoboth  church  on  August  31,  1705.  She  was  still 
living  in  1711. 

Edward  Bishop,  son  of  Edward  and  Hannah  Bishop  of 
Beverly,  was  bapt.  Feb.  23, 1648.  He  was  in  Capt.  Poole’s 
Company  in  King  Philip’s  War.  His  father  deeded  to 
him  his  homestead  on  condition  that  he  should  care  for  his 
parents.  The  circumstances  of  his  arrest  for  witchcraft 
are  best  understood  by  the  following  extracts  from  Calef’s 
“ More  Wonders  of  the  Invisible  World.” 

“ The  occasion  of  Bishop’s  being  cried  out  of,  was,  he 
being  at  an  examination  in  Salem,  when  at  the  inn  an 
afflicted  Indian  was  very  unruly,  whom  he  undertook,  and 
so  managed  him  that  he  was  very  orderly  ; after  which  in 
riding  home,  in  company  of  him  and  other  accusers,  the 
Indian  fell  into  a fit,  and  clapping  hold  with  his  teeth  on 
the  back  of  the  man  that  rode  before  him,  thereby  held 
himself  upon  the  horse ; but  said  Bishop  striking  him  with 
his  stick,  the  Indian  soon  recovered,  and  promised  that  he 
would  do  so  no  more : to  which  Bishop  replied,  that  he 
doubted  not  but  that  he  could  cure  them  all,  with  more  to 
the  same  effect.  Immediately  after  he  was  parted  from 
them  he  was  cried  out  of,  etc.” 

“ Edward  Bishop  and  his  wife  having  made  their  escape 
out  of  prison,  this  day  Mr.  Corwin,  the  sheriff  came  and 
seized  his  goods  and  chattels,  and  had  it  not  been  for  his 
second  son  (who  borrowed  ten  pound  and  gave  it  him) 
they  had  been  wholly  lost.” 

“Received,  this  7th  day  of  October,  1692,  of  Samuel 
Bishop,  of  the  town  of  Salem,  of  the  county  of  Essex  in 
New-England,  cordwainer,  in  full  satisfaction,  a valuable 
sum  of  money,  for  the  goods  and  chatties  of  Edward  Bish- 
op, senior,  of  the  town  and  county  aforesaid,  husbandman ; 


36 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


which  goods  and  chatties  being  seized,  for  that  the  said 
Edward  Bishop,  and  Sarah  his  wife,  having  been  committed 
for  witchcraft  and  felony,  have  made  their  escape  ; and 
their  goods  and  chatties  were  forfeited  unto  their  majesties, 
and  now  being  in  the  possession  of  the  said  Samuel  Bishop  ; 
and  in  behalf  of  their  majesties,  I do  hereby  discharge  the 
said  goods  and  chatties,  the  day  and  year  above  written, 
as  witness  my  hand, 

George  Corwin,  Sheriff.” 

“ Edward  Bishop  Aged  Aboute  44  yeares,  Sarah  Bishop 
Aged  About  41  yeares,  And  Mary  Eastey  Aged  About  56 
yeares,  all  Testifie  and  say  that  Aboute  three  weekes 
Agoe,  to  say,  when  wee  was  in  Salem  Goale  then  and  there  we 
heard  Mary  Warrin  seuerall  times  say  that  the  Magistrates 
might  as  well  examine  Keysar’s  Daughter  that  had  Bin 
Distracted  Many  Yeares.  And  Take  noatice  of  what  shee 
said : as  well  as  any  of  the  Afflicted  prsons,  for  said  Mary 
Warrin  when  I was  Afflicted  I thought  I saw  the  Apparis- 
sions  of  a hundred  persons : for  shee  said  hir  Head  was 
Distempered  and  that  shee  could  not  tell  what  shee  said. 
And  the  said  Mary  Tould  us  that  when  shee  was  well 
againe  she  could  not  say  that  shee  saw  any  of  the  Apparis- 
sions  at  the  time  aforesaid 

Edward  Bishop,  Sarah  Bishop,  & Mary  Eastey.” 

At  the  arrest  of  Edward  Bishop,  household  goods  val- 
ued by  the  sheriff  at  ten  pounds  were  taken  from  his  farm, 
also  6 cows,  24  swine,  and  46  sheep.  The  imprisonment 
of  himself  and  his  wife  aggregated  3T  weeks,  and  ten  shil- 
lings a week  for  board  and  other  charges  and  prison  fees 
amounting  to  ten  pounds  were  assessed  on  the  estate. 

In  Rehoboth,  Edward  Bishop  kept  an  inn.  He  died 
May  12, 1711.  His  will  leaves  his  estate  to  his  wife  and 
eight  living  children. 

Children 

12.  Edward,  m.  Susannah  Putnam.  Calef  gives  the  following  in 
relation  to  the  trial  of  his  father  and  mother.  “ But  this 
the  said  Bishop’s  eldest  son  having  married  into  the  family 
of  the  Putnams  who  were  chief  prosecutors  in  this  busi- 
ness, he  holding  a cow  to  be  branded  lest  it  should  be 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


37 


seized,  and  having  a boil  upon  his  thigh,  with  his  straining 
it  broke;  this  is  that  that  was  pretended  to  be  burnt  with 
the  said  brand.1’  In  1711  he  moved  to  Ipswich  and  in 
1727  to  Newbury.  Susannah  (Putnam)  Bishop  was  the 
daughter  of  Capt.  John  and  Rebecca  (Prince  Putnam,  and 
was  b.  Sept.  4,  1670. 

Children: — 

Josiah,  bapt.  Aug.  13,  1699. 

Susannah,  bapt.  Aug.  13,  1699. 

James,  bapt.  Aug.  13,  1699. 

Enos,  bapt.  Dec.  24,  1699. 

Hannah,  bapt.  Dec.  19,  1703. 

Daniel,  bapt.  Dec.  3,  1704. 

Lydia,  bapt.  June  23,  1705. 

Benjamin,  bapt.  March  9, 1711. 

13.  Samuel,  m.  Mary  Jones,  May  13,  1695.  He  lived  in  Salem 

until  1712,  when  he  moved  to  Attleborough. 

Children: — 

Samuel,  bapt.  Jan.  9, 1697-8,  in  Beverly. 

Mehitable,  bapt.  Jan.  9,  1697-8,  in  Beverly. 

Mary,  bapt.  June  25,  1699,  in  Beverly. 

Sarah,  bapt.  Nov.  1, 1702,  in  Beverly. 

Joseph,  bapt.  Jan.  5,  1706-7,  in  Beverly. 

Benjamin,  b.  May  10,  1709,  in  Rehoboth. 

Edward,  b.  Jan.  28,  1710-11,  in  Rehoboth. 

14.  William,  m.  Dorothy  Hooper  of  Beverly,  Oct.  15,  1700. 

They  moved  to  Attleborough  about  1703.  Dorothy  Bish- 
op was  dismissed  from  Salem  Village  church  to  Mid- 
dleborough,  Sept.  17,  1704.  William  Bishop,  m.  second, 
Tabitha  Hadley,  in  1718. 

Children: — 

Edward,  bapt.  Sept.  12,  1703. 

Elizabeth,  bapt.  Sept.  12,  1703. 

William,  Martha,  Rebecca,  Bailey,  Martha,  John. 

15.  Jonathan,  m.  Abigail  Averill  of  Topsfield  (pub.  July  6, 

1699),  and  lived  in  Beverly  until  about  1708,  when  he 
moved  he  moved  to  Rehoboth.  He  was  a sadler.  He  d.  in 
Rehoboth  in  February,  1752. 

Children: — 

Gould,  b.  Nov.  13,  1703,  in  Beverly. 

Elizabeth,  bapt.  May  26,  1706,  in  Beverly, 
d.  1708,  in  Rehoboth. 


38 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


16.  Priscilla,  bapt.  Aug.  14,  1681,  in  Beverly.  She  m.  Samuel 

Day  of  Gloucester,  Aug.  19,  1702.  They  lived  in  Rehoboth 
and  Attleborough.  She  was  dead-rnG-TiJ. 

t?!4r  *>he  «0>«c 

N(r*-  •>.  17*?. 

Children: — 

Edward,  b.  June  9,  1705. 

John,  b.  Sept.  29,  1708. 

Priscilla  (bapt.?),  Nov.  22,  1711. 

17.  Joseph,  bapt.  April  8,  1683.  giving  in  1711. 

18.  Sarah,  bapt.  May  24,  1685.  Sne  m.  James  Jordon  of  Reho- 

both, Jan.  31,  1705-6,  and  was  living  in  1711. 

19.  Benjamin,  bapt.  July  17,  1687;  d.  before  1711. 

20.  John,  bapt.  Nov.  27,  1689.  He  moved  to  Rehoboth  with  his 

parents,  and  m.  Mary  Read  there,  Sept.  13,  1711.  She  d. 
Sept.  5,  1712,  and  he  m.  second,  Martha  Read,  Oct.  22, 
1713.  He  d.  Sept.  1,  1748,  and  Martha  Bishop  d.  his  wid- 
ow, Nov.  7,  1752. 

Children: — 

John,  b.  Aug.  12,  1712. 

Mary,  b.  Oct.  19,  1714;  d.  1714-15. 

Anna,  b.  Jan.  14,  1715-16. 

Martha,  b.  March  5,  1718. 

Ephraim,  b.  May  23,  1720;  d.  July  14,  1720. 

Noah,  b.  July  22,  1722;  d.  Aug.  8,  1722. 

21.  David,  living  in  1711. 

22.  Ebenezer,  bapt.  May  12,  1695.  He  m.  Mary , who  d. 

Sept.  24,  1726.  He  m.  second,  Mary  Twichell  of  Rehoboth, 
Dec.  21,  1726. 

Children:  b.  in  Rehoboth: — 

Josiah,  b.  Dec.  9,  1711. 

Hannah,  b.  June  18,  1714;  d.  young. 

Hannah,  b.  June  18, 1715. 

Priscilla,  b.  Feb.  1, 1716-17. 

Mary,  b.  April  22,  1719;  d.  July  15,  1723. 

Rachel,  b.  July  7,  1723;  d.  Oct.  24,  1724. 

Ebenezer,  b.  Sept.  9,  1726. 

6 Elizabeth  Wild,  married  Benjamin  Jones  of 
Gloucester  on  January  22,  1678.  They  lived  in  Glouces- 
ter until  about  1687,  when  they  moved  to  Connecticut 
and  settled  in  Enfield.  She  was  living  in  1718.  Benja- 
min Jones,  son  of  Thomas  and  Mary  (North)  Jones,  was 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


39 


born  in  Gloucester  in  1651.  He  served  in  King  Philip’s 
War  in  Capt.  Brocklebank’s  company,  which  was  stationed 
at  Marlborough,  and  received  one  pound,  four  shillings  for 
this  service  on  August  24,  1676.  In  1685  he  became  the 
first  settler  of  that  part  of  the  town  of  Enfield  which  was 
afterward  known  as  Somers.  The  family  lived  on  their 
farm  during  the  summers,  but  returned  to  Enfield,  which 
was  more  thickly  settled,  in  the  winter.  He  owned  about 
200  acres  of  land  in  the  town  in  1703.  His  house  lot  was 
described  as  follows: — “Next  to  Tho  Hayward  jur 
southerly  lies  the  house  lot  or  home  lot  of  Benjamin  Jones 
12  rods  in  breadth  and  running  from  the  street  on  the 
west  back  Eastward  in  length  160  rods.”  He  served  sev- 

O 

eral  times  as  town  officer  and  died  June  25,  1718.  Ad- 
ministration of  his  estate  was  granted  to  his  son  Thomas 
Jones  of  Enfield,  July  6,  1718.  The  settlement  to  the 
heirs  states  “This  agreement  does  not  intend  any  land  that 
belongs  to  the  estate  of  the  deceased  that  is  at  Gloucester.” 
Children,  b.  in  Gloucester  ; — 

23.  Thomas,  b.  March  13,  1680.  He  m.  Mary  Meacham  of  En- 
field, April  24,  1708.  He  was  a very  prominent  citizen  of 
Enfield,  and  is  mentioned  in  the  records  as  Lieut.  Thomas 
Jones,  gentleman.  He  was  the  first  representative  of 
the  town  to  the  General  Assembly  of  Connecticut  after  its 
separation  from  Massachusetts.  He  was  a Lieutenant  of 
the  Ninth  Mass.  Regiment  at  the  siege  of  Louisburg  in 
1745.  His  son,  Isaac  Jones,  was  the  first  descendant  of 
John  Wild  to  graduate  from  a college.  He  died  Nov.  4, 
1763.  His  wife  died  Nov.  8,  1744.  Their  gravestones  are 
still  standing.  The  settlement  of  his  estate  mentions  his 
children,  Israel  Jones  (eldest);  Rev.  Mr.  Isaac  Jones  of 
Weston;  Mary,  wife  of  Abraham  Whipple;  Jerusha  Spen- 
cer, deceased;  Bathsheba,  wife  of  John  Rees;  and  Eliza- 
beth, wife  of  David  Kellog. 

Children: — 

Mary,  b.  April  2,  1709. 

Jerusha,  b.  April  8,  1711. 

Thomas,  b.  March  15,  1712-3;  d.  before  1763. 

Bathsheba,  d.  May  12,  1715. 

Israel,  b.  March  18,  1715-16. 

Isaac,  b.  Jan.  28,  1717-18. 


40 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY 


Bathsheba,  b.  Feb.  25,  1719  20. 

Elizabeth. 

Samuel,  b.  Oct.  29,  1725:  d.  Sept.  19,  1743. 

24.  Priscilla,  b.  June  10,  1681.  She  m.  John  Howard,  June 

13,  1704.  They  moved  to  Stafford. 

Children:  b.  in  Enfield: — 

Priscilla,  b.  Sept.  20,  1705. 

John,  b.  May  24,  1719. 

25.  Benjamin.  He  lived  in  Somefs,  and  had  a wife,  Anna,  or 

Ann.  He  d.  Feb.  5,  1754. 

Children: — 

Joseph,  b.  Jan.  3,  1711-2. 

Anne,  b.  Sept.  9,  1714. 

Levi,  b.  Nov.  9,  1716. 

Abi,  b.  March  15,  1718-19. 

Naomi,  b.  March  28,  1721. 

Irene,  b.  March  30,  1730. 

Lucretia,  b.  March  15,  1733. 

26.  Ebenezer,  b.  April  17,  1684.  He  m.  first,  his  cousin,  Priscil- 

la (Lake)  Smith,  May  22,  1712.  He  m.,  second,  Mehitable 
, and,  third,  Elizabeth . 

Children  by  first  wife : — 

Elizabeth,  b.  May  11,  1713. 

Ebenezer,  b.  Jan.  12,  1714-15. 

Gersham,  b.  April  7,  1717. 

Children  by  second  wife: — 

Ebenezer,  b.  Jan.  26,  1723-4. 

Mehitable,  b.  June  4,  1725. 

Children  by  third  wife: — 

Ephraim,  b.  Aug.  9,  1727. 

Priscilla,  b.  March  10,  1731-2. 

North,  b.  April  18,  1731. 

Zerviah,  b.  March  28,  1734. 

Abigail,  b.  Jan.  4,  1735. 

Thomas,  b.  Aug.  30,  1741. 

Miriam,  b.  August  8,  1747. 

27.  Elizabeth,  b.  Jan.  26,  1686;  m.  Isaac  Osborn  of  Windsor, 

Sept.  8,  1715. 

28.  Ephraim,  b.  July,  1688,  in  Enfield;  d.  Sept.  3,  1688. 

29.  Samuel,  b.  Sept.  22,  1690;  d.  about  Nov.  4,  1691. 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


41 


30.  Eleazier,  b.  April  12,  1693,  in  Enfield;  m.  Mehitable  Gary, 
Dec.  10, 1719,  and  lived  in  Somers.  He  d.  April  20,  1755. 

Children: — 

A child,  b.  May  26,  1721 ; d.  June  26,  1721. 

Eleazer,  b.  Jan.  26,  1723. 

Benjamin,  b.  May  8,  1730. 

ELEziER,b.  Feb.  18,  1736. 

7 Phoebe  Wild  married  Timothy  Day  of  Glouces- 
ter, July  24,  1679.  Her  husband’s  receipt  for  her  legacy 
from  her  grandfather  Gould’s  estate  is  as  follows : — 

“ This  ma  sartefi  to  houm  it  ma  consern  that  I Timothy 
Day  have  reseued  the  full  and  iust  sum  of  my  wife  house 
name  was  Phoebe  Wylds  part  of  ye  wish  in  riten  bond  of 
my  unkel  John  Gould.” 

In  1692  she  was  accused  of  witchcraft  and  was  taken 
to  Ipswich  gaol  where  she  remained  until  September  24, 
of  the  same  year,  when  she  was  released  on  bonds  for  her 
reappearance,  together  with  Mary  Rowe  and  Widow 
Rachel  Vinson.  These  three  Gloucester  witches  were 
accused  of  bewitching  the  sister  of  Lieut.  Stephens,  and 
the  story  is  also  related  that  when  the  three  women  were 
crossing  Ipswich  bridge  on  their  way  to  the  gaol,  an  old 
woman  who  met  them  was  immediately  thrown  into  con- 
vulsions. The  fact  that  she  was  taken  to  Ipswich  instead 
of  to  Salem,  where  the  trials  were  being  held,  may  have 
saved  her  life,  for  there  were  so  many  victims  in  Salem 
that  all  others  were  forgotten.  She  died  April  8,  1723, 
aged  seventy. 

Timothy  Day,  son  of  Anthony  and  Susannah  Day  of 
Gloucester,  lived  on  the  westerly  side  of  the  Squam  River. 
He  was  a member  of  the  First  Church  of  Gloucester.  In 
1730,  he  deeded  his  Gloucester  property  to  his  son  John 
for  care  and  affection  in  his  old  age. 


42 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


Children 

32.  Timothy,  b.  in  Topsfield,  Jan.  19,  1679-80;  m.  Jean  , and 

lived  in  York  and  Gloucester.  He  d.  Sept.  16,  1757. 
Children: — 

Phoebe,  b.  Oct.  11,  1706,  at  York. 

Zebulon,  b.  April  14,  1709,  at  Gloucester. 

Eliphale^,  b.  Dec.  17,  1711. 

Judith,  b.  April  2,  1714. 

Abner,  b.  Aug.  12,  1716. 

Tabitha,  b.  Jan.  29,  1719. 

Bethula,  b.  Apr.  2,  1722. 

33.  John,  b.  Jan.  21,  1681;  d.  Jan.  22,  1681. 

34.  Anthony,  b.  Dec.  20,  1681-2;  m.  Penelope . He  died  Jan. 

12,  1712. 

Children: — 

Mary,  b.  March  20,  1709;  d.  April  11,  1709. 

Charity,  b.  April  25,  1711. 

Penelope,  b.  May  22,  1712;  d.  May  24,  1712. 

35.  John,  b.  Feb.  1,  1684;  m.  Dorothy . Lived  in  Gloucester 

on  his  father’s  homestead.  He  died  in  1747. 

Children: — 

Dorothy,  b.  July  28,  1707. 

Mercy,  b.  Oct.  28,  1709. 

Anne,  b.  Aug.  31,  1711. 

Jonathan,  b.  April  29,  1716;  d.  Oct.  2,  1716. 

Phoebe,  b.  March  12,  1718. 

Jemima,  b.  Aug.  20,  1720. 

Zebedee,  b.  June  17,  1722. 

Eunice,  b.  Oct.  28,  1724. 

Ephraim,  b.  Feb.  13,  1727. 

Moses,  b.  April  2,1731. 

Lydia,  b.  April  26,  1734. 

36.  Jonathan,  b.  Nov.  8,  1685-6;  m.  Sarah  Ingersoll  of  Glouces- 

ter, Dec.  3,  1730.  He  died  before  1732. 

Children  : — 

Jonathan,  b.  Oct.  6,  1731. 

David,  b.  Feb.  1,  1732,  posthumous. 

37.  Joseph,  m.  Patience . 

Children : — 

Dorcas,  b.  May  3,  1713,  at  York. 

Hannah,  b.  Aug.  8,  1714. 

Patience,  b.  Dec.  6,  1715. 

Susannah,  b.  April  11,  1688;  m.  David  Ring  of  Gloucester,  as 
his  second  wife,  about  1717.  She  died,  at  childbirth,  June 
19,  1720. 


38. 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


43 


Child:— 

Susannah,  b.  Dec.  27, 1718. 

39.  Priscilla,  b.  May  25,  1689;  d.  June  8,  1689. 

40.  Elizabeth,  b.  May  23,  1690 ; d.  same  day. 

41.  Benjamin,  b.  Dec.  5,  1695;  d.  July  23,  1697. 

42.  Ebenezer,  b.  Nov.  14,  1697 ; m.  Hannah  Downing,  Dec.  3, 

1719.  “ Old  widow  Ebenezer  Day  ” died  April  1,  1771, 

in  Gloucester. 

Children: — 

Jonathan,  b.  Feb.  28,  1721. 

Lucy,  b.  Oct.  15,  1722. 

Hannah,  b.  Nov.  14,  1726, 

Job,  b.  April  30,  1731 . 

Jerusha,  b.  Oct.  25,  1735. 

David,  b.  Jan.  26,  1737, 

James,  b.  Dec.  16,  1738. 

8 Priscilla  Wild  was  born  in  Topsfield,  Apr.  6, 
1658.  She  married,  May  9,  1681,  Henry  Lake  who 
founded  the  family  of  that  name  in  Topsfield,  and 
died  March  23,  1688.  Henry  Lake  was  a weaver  and 
lived  first  in  Salem  and  then  in  Topsfield.  The  cellar  of 
his  home  may  still  be  seen.  He  died  May  22,  1733.  His 
will,  made  in  1724,  mentions  his  two  sons  and  two  daugh- 
ters, and  twelve  grandchildren,  to  whom  he  left  a large 
estate.  His  legacy  to  his  grandson,  Eliezer  Lake,  was  “ to 
be  paid  toward  his  bringing  up  to  Laming.” 

Children,  born  in  Topsfield : — 

43.  Gershom,  was  living  in  Rehoboth  in  1706.  He  m.  Elizabeth 

Millerd,  Oct.  30,  1706.  She  d.  Nov.  11,  1707,  and  he 
m.  second,  Prudence  Chaffee  of  Medfield  (int.  Dec.  8, 
1708).  Widow  Prudence  Lake  d.  March  18,  1759. 

Children: — 

Henry,  b.  Nov.  8,  1707;  d.  April  5,  1708. 

Joseph,  b.  Nov.  18,  1709. 

Elizabeth,  b.  April  28,  1711. 

Prudence,  b.  May  14,  1713;  d.  Nov.  13,  1713. 
Prudence,  b.  May  15,  1714;  d.  Feb.  2, 171415. 
Henry,  b.  March  25,  1716;  d.  Jan.  1,  1718-19. 
Hannah,  b.  May  13,  1717. 

Priscilla,  b.  Sept.  19,  1718. 

Gershom  (?).  A Gershom  Lake,  d.  1719. 


44 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


44.  Priscilla,  b.  Sept.  5,  1684;  m.  Ebenezer  Smith  of  Rehoboth, 
Dec.  6,  1706.  He  was  the  son  of  Ens.  Ebenezer  Smith  and 
Elizabeth  (Cooper),  and  was  b.  in  Rehoboth,  July  23, 1660. 
He  d.  Feb.  12,  1710-11.  She  m.  her  cousin  Ebenezer  Jones 
of  Enfield  as  her  second  husband  (int.  April  19,  1712). 
See  26. 

Children,  b.  in  Rehoboth  : — 

Abigail,  b.  Oct.  6, 1707. 

Priscilla,  b.  Sept.  13,  1709. 

46.  Eliezer,  b.  July  9,  1686;  m.  Lydia  Forde,  daughter  of  Mat- 
thew and  Lydia  (Ela)  Forde,  Dec.  7,  1708.  He  received 
from  his  father  “ my  mansion  dwelling  house  and  Land,” 
and  became  one  of  the  prominent  citizens  of  Topsfield. 
Lydia  (Forde)  Lake,  d.  May  29,  1743.  He  d.  April  29, 1771, 
“ an  aged  man.” 

Children,  b.  in  Topsfield: — 

Lydia,  b.  Nov.  4,  1709. 

Priscilla,  b.  Oct.  11,  1715. 

Abigail,  b.  Aug.  14,  1719. 

Eliezer,  b.  Sept.  12,  1724. 

Daniel,  b.  June  22,  1726. 

46.  Martha,  b.  February  23,  1687-8 ; m.  Elisha  Peck  of  Rehoboth, 
Feb.  23,  1703-4.  He  was  a son  of  Nicholas  Peck  and  was 
b.  April  4,  1683. 

Children,  b.  in  Rehoboth  : — 

Martha,  b.  Oct.  13,  1705;  d.  May  2,  1706. 

Joel,  b.  June  1,  1707. 

Jerusha,  b.  June  11,  1708. 

Eunice,  b.  March  12,  1710-11. 

Inspersion,  b.  Feb.  22,  1712-13. 

Constantine,  b.  May  26,  1715. 

Martha,  b.  April  8, 1717. 

Nicholas,  b.  April  30,  1719,  in  Attleborough. 

Mary,  b.  Aug.  31,  1724,  in  Attleborough. 

9 Martha  Wild  born  in  Topsfield,  May  18,  1660, 
was  living  in  1676,  when  her  brother  John  made  his  will, 
but  the  only  other  mention  of  Martha  Wild  is  contained 
in  a deed  disposing  of  his  property,  which  his  brother-in- 
law,  Edward  Bishop,  signed  “ for  his  own  share  & Interest 
in  said  lands  & ye  share  Interest  & claim  of  Martha  Wild 
which  was  ye  right  he  bought  of  her  ” (December  14, 
1685).  From  this  record,  it  would  appear  that  she  was 
living,  unmarried,  in  1685. 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


45 


11  Ephraim  Wild  was  born  in  Topsfield,  in  Decem- 
ber, 1665.  He  married  Mary  Howlett,  March  18,  1689-9. 
In  1689,  he  was  one  of  the  selectmen  of  Topsfield  and  in 
1692  he  became  town  treasurer  and  constable.  The  story 
of  his  connection  with  the  Witchcraft  Delusion  has  already 
been  told  in  the  biography  of  his  mother — a story  which 
shows  him  to  have  been  a man  of  truly  noble  character. 
He  lived  in  the  family  homestead  in  Topsfield  which  his 
father  deeded  to  him  in  1690,  and  occupied  a prominent 
position  in  the  affairs  of  the  town.  He  is  several  times 
dignified  with  the  titles,  Mr.  and  Quartermaster  in  the 
town  and  county  records.  The  following  story  is  obtained 
from  the  town  records  and  illustrates  the  duties  imposed 
upon  him  during  his  term  of  office  as  constable.  When 
the  minister’s  rate  for  1692  was  being  collected,  Constable 
Wild  had  trouble  in  obtaining  this  tax  from  an  Irishman, 
Nealand  by  name,  who  lived  on  the  boundary  line  between 
Topsfield  and  Ipswich.  Whenever  the  constable  called, 
Nealand  was  sure  to  be  found  in  the  Ipswich  side  of  his 
house.  Finally  the  constable,  with  several  other  Topsfield 
men,  visited  the  pig  pen  of  the  delinquent,  and  the  minis- 
ter received  his  rate  in  pork.  Soon  after  this  incident,  the 
town  sued  Good  wife  Nealand  for  defaming  the  whole  town 
of  Topsfield.  In  the  latter  part  of  his  life,  he  served  as 
selectman  in  1714,  1720,  and  1722.  Tradition  states  that 
before  his  death,  which  occurred  on  April  2,  1725,  he  saw 
his  thirteen  living  children  gathered  about  his  fireside. 
His  will  follows: — 

Knowing  that  it  is  appointed  for  all  Men  to  Dye  and 
being  under  Infirmity  and  Weekness  of  Body  and  sense- 
able  of  my  own  Mortality  Do  make  this  My  Last  Will 
Confirming  this  and  none  other.  First  I give  and  be- 
queath My  Soul  to  Almighty  God  who  first  gave  itt  being, 
and  my  body  to  be  Deceantly  buried  att  the  Direction  of 
my  Executors  hereafter  named  nothing  Doubting  but  I 
Shall  receive  again  att  the  Resurrection  and  as  for  what 
Worldly  estate  itt  hath  Pleased  God  to  bless  me  with  all  I 
Dispose  off  itt  in  manner  following. 

Item.  1 Do  give  and  bequeath  to  My  Well  beloved 
Wife  Mary  Willds  all  my  household  goods  and  two  Cows 


46 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


for  her  own  use  and  to  dispose  of  as  Shee  Shall  See  Most 
Convenient  Amongst  my  Children  and  also  I give  to  my 
beloved  Wife  the  Liberty  of  one  End  of  my  Dwelling 
house  together  with  the  Improvement  of  one  third  Part 
of  all  My  land  So  long  as  Shee  Shall  Remain  my  Widow, 
but  in  case  Shee  Shall  See  cause  to  marry  again  that  then 
Shee  Shall  have  Twenty  pounds  Paid  to  her  by  my  Exec- 
utors, hereafter  named  and  my  will  is  that  then  Shee  Shall 
Resigne  up  all  her  Right  of  Dower  or  Power  of  third  in 
my  Real  Estate  to  My  Sons  John  and  Ephraim  whom 
I Do  appoint  and  Constitute  to  be  My  Sole  Executors  to 
this  My  last  Will  and  Testament. 

Item.  I Do  give  to  my  Son  John  and  to  my  Son 
Ephraim  all  my  buildings  and  all  my  lands  both  Meadow 
and  Upland  with  all  the  privilidges  and  Appertances 
thereunto  belonging  together  with  My  Rights  of  Land  in 
Common  and  also  I Do  give  to  My  Sons  John  and  Ephraim 
all  my  Stock  of  Cattle  (Excepting  the  two  Cows  before 
given)  and  all  my  Sheep  and  Horses  (Excepting  the  black 
Colt  which  I Do  give  to  my  Son  Elijah)  and  also  I Do 
give  to  My  Sons  John  and  Ephraim  all  my  utensils  of 
husbandry  they  Paying  all  My  Just  Debts  and  Such  Leg- 
acies as  I shall  order  them  to  Pay  in  this  my  Last  Will. 

Item  I Do  Give  to  My  Son  Johnathan  Sixty  Pounds 
to  be  Paid  by  my  Executors  within  two  years  after  my 
Decease  which  is  for  his  portion  out  of  My  Estate. 

Item  I Do  Give  to  My  Son  Jacob  Sixty  Pounds  to  be 
Paid  by  My  Executors  within  two  years  after  My  Decease 
which  is  for  his  portion  out  of  My  Estate. 

Item  I Do  Give  to  My  Son  Samuel  Sixty  Pounds,  to 
be  paid  by  My  Executors  when  he  Shall  come  to  the  age 
of  Twenty  one  years  itt  Being  for  his  Portion 

Item  I Do  Give  to  My  Son  Nathan  Sixty  Pounds,  to 
be  paid  by  My  Executors  when  he  Shall  come  to  the  age 
of  Twenty  one  years  itt  Being  for  his  Portion 

Item  I Do  Give  to  My  Son  Amos  Sixty  Pounds,  to  be 
paid  by  My  Executors  when  he  Shall  come  to  the  age  of 
Twenty  one  years  itt  Being  for  his  Portion 

Item  I Do  Give  to  My  Son  Elijah  Sixty  Pounds,  to  be 
paid  by  My  Executors  when  he  Shall  come  to  the  age  of 
Twenty  one  years  itt  being  for  his  portion 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


47 


Item  I Do  Give  to  My  Daughter  Mary  Perkins  Twen- 
ty Pounds  besides  what  Shee  hath  already  had  to  be  paid 
by  My  Executors  : in  four  years  after  My  Decease  which 
is  for  her  portion. 

Item  I Do  Give  to  My  Daughter  Susannah  Town 
Twenty  Pounds  beside  what  Shee  hath  already  had  to  be 
paid  by  My  Executors:  in  four  years  after  My  Decease 
which  is  for  her  portion. 

Item  I Do  Give  to  My  Daughter  Dorothy  Perkins 
Twenty  Pounds  besides  what  Shee  hath  already  had  to  be 
paid  by  My  Executors : in  four  years  after  My  Decease  itt 
being  for  her  Portion. 

Item  I Do  Give  to  My  Daughter  Priscilla  Twenty 
Pounds  to  be  Paid  by  My  Executors  when  Shee  Shall 
come  to  the  Age  of  Twenty  one  years  or  the  Day  of  her 
Marriage. 

Item  I Do  Give  to  My  Daughter  Hannah  Thirty 
Pounds  to  be  paid  when  Shee  Shall  come  to  the  age  of 
Twenty  one  years  or  att  her  Marriage  If  Shee  be  married 
Sooner.  But  in  case  any  of  My  children  that  are  under 
age  Should  Dye  before  they  come  of  age  to  Receive  their 
Portion  that  then  my  Will  is  that  what  Should  have  been 
Paid  to  them  Shall  be  Divided  amongst  the  Surviving 
brothers  and  Sisters  and  also  my  Will  is  that  If  any  of  My 
Children  that  are  of  age  Should  Dye  before  the  time  Sett 
for  payment  of  there  Portion  that  then  itt  shall  be  Paid 
to  thir  Heires,  and  itt  is  to  be  Noted  that  notwithstanding, 
all  My  buildings  and  Lands  are  given  to  My  Son  John  & 
My  Son  Ephraim  itt  is  to  be  understood  that  they  are  not 
to  Debar  or  hinder  their  Mother  of  any  Privilidges  given 
to  her  in  My  home  or  Land.  In  Confirmation  of  all  that 
is  before  Written  in  this  Will  I have  hereunto  affixed  My 
hand  and  Seal  this  Second  Day  of  April  one  thousand 

Seven  hundred  and  Twenty  five. 

Signed  Sealed  and  Delivered  In  Ephraim  Wildes 

the  Presence  of  John  Howlett 

Joseph  Andrews  Jacob  Peabody 

Mary  Howlett,  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Sarah  (Clark) 
Howlett,  was  born  in  Topsfield  February  17,  1671.  Sam- 
uel Howlett  was  a son  of  Ensign  Thomas  Howlett,  one  of 


48 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


the  earliest  and  most  prominent  settlers  of  Ipswich  and 
Topsfield.  Mrs.  Sarah  (Clark)  Howlett  was  a daughter 
of  Daniel  and  Mary  (Newbury)  Clark,  and  a granddaugh- 
ter of  Mr.  Thomas  Newbury.  At  the  death  of  her  father 
in  1720,  Mary  (Howlett)  Wilds  inherited  a portion  of  his 
books.  She  died  May  17,  1758.  Her  will,  made  April 
28,  1758,  mentions  her  son  Ephraim,  to  whom  she  left 
her  u old  loom  and  the  cubbard  and  the  great  table  in  con- 
sideration that  he  has  ever  found  me  with  flax  and  wood,” 
sons  Jonathan  and  Nathan,  daughters  Priscilla  Averill  and 
Hannah  Averill,  and  son-in-law  Jacob  Averill. 

Children,  born  in  Topsfield  : — 

47.  John,  b.  June  25,  1690. 

48.  Mary,  bp.  March  13,  1691-2. 

49.  Ephraim,  bp.  Sept.  3,  1693. 

50.  Jonathan,  b.  Oct.  21,  1695. 

51.  Susannah,  b.  Oct.  20,  1697. 

52.  Sarah,  b.  March  27,  1699. 

53.  Dorothy,  b.  Dec.  15,  1700. 

54.  Jacob,  b.  Aug.  31,  1702. 

55.  Priscilla,  b.  Aug.  12,  1704;  d.  Aug.  3,  1705. 

56.  Priscilla,  b.  March  3,  1706. 

57.  Samuel,  b.  March  2,  1708. 

58.  Hannah,  b.  Oct.  8,  1709. 

59.  Amos,  b.  June  28,  1711;  d.  July  25,  1726. 

60.  Nathan,  b.  Aug.  5,  1713. 

61.  Juleenea,  b.  Feb.  21,  1716;  d.  March  21,  1716-17. 

62.  Elijah,  b.  Jan.  4,  1717-18. 

47  Capt.  John  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield,  June  25, 
1690,  was  prominent  in  town  affairs,  and  served  as  select- 
man in  1780,  ’81,  ’83,  ’37,  ’39,  ’41,  and  1745-50.  He  was 
a carpenter  by  trade  and  on  the  town  records  for  Decem- 
ber 27,  1720,  the  following  statement  appears  : “ alowed 
to  John  Willds  for  makeing  the  Towns  Stoock  and  for 
finding  ye  Iorns  and  Lock  and  bringing  them  to  the  meet- 
ing house  and  for  seeting  up  sd  stoocks  XI  4s.”  In 
1725  he  was  executor  of  his  father’s  estate,  and  guardian 
of  his  brothers  Amos  and  Elijah.  His  house  was  situated 
on  Meeting-house  Lane,  and  is  described  in  the  direct  tax 
of  1798,  as  two  stories  high,  covering  1280  square  feet,  and 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


49 


having  IT  windows.  The  house  was  destroyed  in  1864. 
John  Wildes,  “ Gentleman,”  died  September  27,  1750. 
His  will  leaves  all  his  property  in  Topsfield,  Ipswich,  and 
Boxford  to  his  son  Elisha,  with  the  exception  of  the  land 
bought  of  the  Averills,  and  five  acres  on  Great  Hill  and  in 
Bradstreet’s  meadow,  which  went  to  his  son  John.  His 
armor  was  willed  to  Elisha  Wildes.  His  estate  was 
valued  at  £1045.  8.  8. 

“ Widow  Pheebe  Wildes  an  aged  woman  ” died  Septem- 
ber 30,  1765.  No  record  has  been  found  of  their  marriage. 
Daughters  named  Phoebe,  of  whom  no  further  record  of 
marriage  or  death  remains,  were  born  about  1690  in  the 
Redington,  French,  Smith,  and  Bixby  families. 

Children,  born  in  Topsfield : 

03.  John,  b.  Nov.  1,  1715. 

64.  Katherine,  b.  Jan.  27,  1716-17;  d.  Oct.  12, 1800.  The  follow- 

ing obituary  appeared  in  the  Salem  Gazette  on  Oct.  24, 
1800.  “ Died.  At  Topsfield,  Oct.  12.  Miss  Catherine 

Wildes,  aged  84  . . . Whose  amiable  and  benevolent  deport- 
ment through  life  secured  her  the  esteem  and  affection  of 
her  acquaintance,  and  entitled  her  to  the  honorable  appel- 
lation of  ‘a  mother  in  Israel,’  although  she  had  neither 
husband  nor  children.” 

65.  Zebulon,  b.  Dec.  19,  1718. 

66.  Elisha,  b.  Sept.  23,  1720. 

67.  Ezra,  b.  May  23,  1722;  d.  June  11,  1722. 

68.  Sarah,  b.  May  5,  1723;  m.  George  Start,  May  15,  1744.  George, 

son  of  William  and  Mercy  (Figg)  Start,  was  born  in 
Ipswich,  Aug.  23, 1719.  He  settled  in  Boxford,  but  moved 
to  Topsfield  in  1750,  where  he  was  taxed  for  two  years. 
He  then  returned  to  Boxford  where  he  lived  until  1758, 
when  he  moved  to  New  Ipswich,  N.  H.  He  died  in  New 
Ipswich,  about  1800. 

Children,  born  in  Boxford: — 

Sarah,  b.  July  4,  1745. 

William,  b.  March  24,  1747. 

George,  b.  Dec.  16,  1748. 

John,  b.  Feb.  12,  1751,  in  Topsfield. 

69.  Ephraim,  b.  Aug.  25,  1725;  d.  Nov.  25,  1736.  His  death  and 

that  of  his  sister  Mary  were  probably  caused  by  the  throat 
distemper,  which  proved  fatal  to  hundreds  of  Essex 
County  children  in  that  year. 


60 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


70.  Amos,  b.  Jan.  27,  1727-8. 

71.  Mary,  b.  July  24,  1729;  d.  Nov.  5,  1736. 

48  Mary  Wildes  baptized  in  Topsfield,  March  3, 
1691-2,  married  Thomas  Perkins,  November  26,  1719. 
They  removed  to  Arundel,  now  Kennebunkport,  Maine. 
She  returned  to  her  old  home  about  1721,  as  the  births  of 
her  first  two  children  were  recorded  there.  The  French 
and  Indian  hostilities  would  give  sufficient  cause  for  retir- 
ing to  a more  thickly  settled  region.  She  died  in  Arun- 
del, April  1,  1742.  Her  gravestone  is  still  standing. 

Thomas  Perkins,  son  of  Elisha  and  Katherine  (Towne) 
Perkins,  was  born  in  Topsfield,  October  15,  1681.  His 
house  in  Arundel  was  a garrison.  He  died  in  1761. 

Children  : — 

72.  Judith,  bp.  May,  1721;  m.  Benjamin  Durrell. 

73.  Thomas,  bp.  June  28,  1724;  m.  Susannah  Hovey. 

74.  Mary,  b.  in  1728;  m.  Eliphalet  Perkins,  son  of  Capt.  Thomas 

Perkins;  d.  Sept.  14,  1802. 

75.  Sarah,  m.  Israel  Stone. 

76.  John,  d.  young. 

77.  Ephraim,  d.  young. 

49  Ephraim  Wildes  was  baptised  in  Topsfield, 
September  3,  1692-3.  He  is  said  to  have  been  a member 
of  the  third,  and  only  successful  expedition  against  the 
French  and  Indians  at  Norridgewock.  If  he  settled  in  Arun- 
del with  his  brothers,  as  the  tradition  states,  he  soon  re- 
turned to  his  native  town,  for  after  17  30  his  name  appears 
frequently  on  the  Topsfield  records.  He  occupied  the  old 
Wildes  homestead  built  by  his  grandfather.  There  seems 
to  have  been  a boundary  dispute  between  the  Wildes  and 
Daniel  Redington  families,  for  in  1731  Ephraim  Wildes 
signed  an  agreement  “ to  end  strife  ” and  to  let  the  bound- 
ary remain  as  their  forefathers  had  established  it.  On 
January  31,  1730-1,  he  married  Hepsibah  Peabody  of 
Topsfield.  He  died  April  3,  1767.  The  will  of  Ephraim 
Wildes,  yeoman,  made  December  23,  1762,  and  probated 
April  28,  1767,  left  all  his  land,  houses,  cattle,  horses, 
sheep,  farming  utensils,  and  armor  to  his  sons  Thomas 
and  Moses.  His  estate  was  valued  at  £704.5.10.  Among 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNT  Y. 


51 


the  interesting  items  mentioned  in  his  inventory  is  “ an 
hour  glass.” 

Hepsibah  Peabody,  daughter  of  Isaac  and  Sarah  (Estes  ?) 
Peabody,  was  born  in  Topsfield,  May  25,  1709.  She  died 
of  consumption,  December  23,  1783. 

Children,  born  in  Topsfield  : 

78.  Thomas,  b.  May  20,  1732;  d.  Dec.  21,  1736. 

79.  Jacob,  b.  Nov.  6,  1733. 

80.  Dorothy,  b.  April  28,  1736.  She  m.  Joseph  Andrews,  April 

10,  1759,  and  d.,  his  widow,  Feb.  15, 1813.  Her  gravestone 
is  standing  in  Pine  Grove  Cemetery.  Joseph  Andrews 
was  a son  of  Joseph  and  Hepzibah  (Porter)  Andrews  and 
was  b.  Oct.  14,  1717.  He  lived  on  his  father’s  homestead 
in  the  ancient  French  house,  which  was  built  in  1675,  and 
is  still  standing  near  the  Dry  Bridge.  He  d.  Oct.  16,  1785. 
Children,  b.  in  Topsfield: — 

Hepsibah,  b.  Jan.  10,  1760. 

Joseph,  b.  May  27,  1763. 

Salome,  b.  Oct.  20,  1765. 

Ephraim,  b.  April  7,  1772. 

81.  Thomas,  b.  March  9,  1737-8. 

82.  Moses,  b.  July  30,  1740. 

83.  Ephraim  (twin),  b.  June  23,  1743;  d.  July  3,  1743. 

84.  Elijah  (twin),  b.  June  23,  1743;  d.  July  6,  1743. 

85.  Mary,  b.  June  23,  1744;  m.  Zebulon  Perkins,  Sept.  22,  1767, 

and  d.  March  23,  1839.  Zebulon,  son  of  Jacob  and  Han- 
nah (Borman)  Perkins,  was  b.  Jan.  15,  1740.  He  died 
Sept.  22,  1810. 

Children: — 

Mary,  b.  July  19,  1768. 

Ephraim,  b.  Feb.  5,  1770. 

Abel,  b.  Sept.  15,  1771. 

Eunice,  b.  July  6,  1773;  d.  Sept.  23,  1777. 

Zebulon,  b.  June  3,  1775  ; d.  Sept.  21,  1777. 

Sarah,  b.  May  3,  1777. 

Hannah,  b.  Oct.  5,  1778. 

Elisha,  b.  Jan.  3,  1781. 

Jacob,  b.  Feb.  24,  1783. 

Anna,  b.  Feb.  1,  1786. 

Elijah,  b.  May  11,  1791. 

86.  Hepsibah,  b.  Nov.  28,  1746  ; m.  Lot  Conant  of  Ipswich,  June 

4,  1786.  The  Conant  Genealogy  gives  the  date  as  March 
19,  1768,  and  says  that  Hepzibah  Wildes  was  the  mother 


52 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


of  six  children  of  Lot  Conant.  There  seems  to  be  no 
reason  to  doubt  the  Topsfield  record,  however,  especially 
as  two  of  the  children  given  in  the  Conant  Genealogy  are 
stated  to  have  been  children  of  Lot  and  Eunice  Conant  in 
their  death  records.  Lot,  son  of  Joshua  and  Jerusha 
(Cummings)  Conant,  was  b.  in  Ipswich,  Dec.  21,  1740.  He 
was  in  Capt.  Brown’s  Company  at  Providence,  R.  I.,  Jan. 
1,  1779.  (Mass.  Archives,  Muster  Rolls,  Vol.  41,  p.  92.) 

87.  Hannah,  b.  May  10,  1749;  m.  Nathaniel  Averill,  her  cousin, 
(pub.  Sept.  8,  1776),  and  survived  him,  dying  Oct.  28,  1810. 
Nathaniel,  son  of  Capt.  Nathaniel  and  Hannah  (Wildes) 
Averill,  was  b.  April  27,  1740.  He  was  a yeoman  and  a 
wheelwright,  and  lived  in  Topsfield.  His  first  wife  was 
Dorothy  Perkins,  whom  he  m.  Dec.  16,  1766  and  who  d. 
May  6,  1767,  aged  17  y.  He  d.  in  1811. 

Children,  b.  in  Topsfield  : — 

Azabiah,  b.  Feb.  11,  1778. 

Ammi,  b.  Aug.  17,  1779. 

Lydia,  b.  March  3,  1782. 

Dorothy,  bp.  April  2,  1784. 

Moses,  b.  June  5,  1786. 

50  Jonathan  Wildes  was  born  in  Topsfield,  Octo- 
ber 21,  1695.  Tradition  states  that  he  was  at  the  capture 
of  Norridgewock,  in  1724,  with  three  of  his  brothers.  He 
settled  in  Arundel,  Me.  about  1730,  and  kept  an  inn  there, 
although  his  occupation  at  Topsfield  had  been  that  of  a 
carpenter.  In  1733,  he  sold  seventeen  acres  of  land  in 
Topsfield  to  his  brother  John  for  three  hundred  pounds. 
His  wife  was  named  Elizabeth. 

Child,  born  in  Topsfield  : 

88  Nathaniel,  b.  April  23,  1727. 

51  Susannah  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield,  October 
20,  1697,  m.  Benjamin  Towne,  April  12,  1722.  A few 
months  before  her  death,  which  occurred  July  5,  1736,  she 
gave  birth  to  three  healthy  boys,  all  of  whom  lived  to  be 
men.  Benjamin  Towne,  son  of  Joseph  and  Amy  (Smith) 
Towne,  was  born  in  Topsfield,  May  10,  1691.  His  first 
wife  was  Katherine,  daughter  of  Jacob  Towne,  Jr.  After 
the  death  of  his  second  wife,  Susannah  Wildes,  he  married 
Mary  Perkins,  May  2,  1738,  and  fourth,  Mrs.  Mary  Clark, 
April  15,  1761.  He  acquired  a large  estate,  and  became 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


53 


prominent  in  the  politics  of  the  town,  holding  the  offices 
of  town  clerk,  selectmen,  etc.  He  died  February  11,  1772. 

Children,  born  in  Topsfield  : 

89.  Benjamin,  b.  May  12,  1723. 

90.  Ephraim,  b.  July  10,  1725. 

91.  Jacob  (twin),  b.  March  7,  1727-8. 

92.  Joseph  (twin),  b.  March  7,  1727-8. 

93.  Eli,  b.  March  3,  1730-31. 

94.  Susannah,  b.  Sept.  6,  1733. 

95.  Edmund  (triplet),  b.  April  30,  1736. 

96.  Ezra  (triplet),  b.  April  30,  1736. 

97.  Elijah  (triplet),  b.  April  80,  1736. 

52  Sarah  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield,  March  27, 
1699  ; m.  Jonathan  Perkins,  January  2,  1718-19.  Either 
before  her  marriage,  or  very  soon  afterward,  she  lived 
with  Mary  (Perkins),  widow  of  William  Howlett,  who 
mentioned  on  her  will  her  “ cousin  Sarah  Wildes  now 
Perkins  ” who  had  lived  with  her,  and  bequeathed  to  her 
a brass  kettle,  an  iron  kettle,  and  one  half  of  her  estate 
that  she  had  not  already  disposed  of.  Sarah  never  re- 
ceived her  legacy,  for  her  cousin  outlived  her  many  years. 
Jonathan  Perkins,  son  of  Timothy  and  Hannah  Perkins, 
was  born  in  Topsfield,  January  29,  1692-3.  He  married 
second,  Elizabeth  Potter  (Porter?)  of  Salem,  December  11, 
1722.  He  died  June  2,  1749.  The  gravestone  in  Pine 
Grove  Cemetery  bearing  the  following  inscription,  is  un- 
doubtedly that  of  Sarah  (Wildes)  Perkins.  “ Hear  Laes 
the  Body  of  Sarah  Perkins  who  Departed  This  Life  Janu- 
ary y®  21  Day  1719-20  Aged  20  Years  & 9 Months  & 24 
Days.” 

53  Dorothy  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield,  December 
15,  1700;  married  John  Perkins  about  1725;  and  died 
before  1736.  John  Perkins,  son  of  Timothy  and  Abigail 
Perkins,  was  born  in  Topsfield,  June  2, 1700.  He  married 
for  his  second  wife  Widow  Martha  Robinson,  June  18, 
1736.  She  died  August  16,  1736.  He  married  Jemima 
Averill,  February  14,  1737-8,  and  she  died  March  2, 1749. 
He  died  February  7,  1780. 

Child,  born  in  Topsfield  : 


54 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


98.  Stephen,  b.  March  7,  1725-6.  He  was  very  prominent  at  the 
time  of  the  Revolution,  and  was  a member  of  the  com- 
mittee of  three  appointed  to  draft  instructions  for  the 
town’s  representative  at  the  outbreak  of  the  war.  He  com- 
manded a company,  with  the  rank  of  Captain.  In  town 
politics  he  held  the  offices  of  constable,  juryman,  tything- 
man,  selectman,  clerk  and  representative.  He  died  Oct. 
23, 1790. 

54  Jacob  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield,  August  31, 
1702,  married  Rath  Foster  of  Ipswich,  and  moved  to 
Arundel,  Me.  Tradition  states  that  he  was  a member  of 
the  expedition  which  was  sent  to  destroy  the  Indian  set- 
tlement at  Norridgewock  and  to  capture  Father  Rasle,  the 
Jesuit  priest,  who  for  many  years  had  incited  the  savages 
to  attack  and  slaughter  the  English  settlers.  The  New 
England  force  of  one  hundred  men,  many  of  them  from 
Arundel,  attacked  the  Indian  village  in  August,  1724,  and 
plundered  it,  after  killing  Father  Rasle.  After  this  bat- 
tle, the  danger  from  the  Indians  gradually  abated,  although 
for  many  years  murders  were  committed  and  homes  pillaged 
on  the  borders  of  the  Maine  towns.  In  17 28,  Jacob  Wildes 
was  one  of  the  proprietors  of  Arundel.  He  was  a member 
of  the  committee  to  settle  the  dividing  line  between  Arun- 
del and  Saco,  March  29,  1732. 

The  following  entries  are  found  in  the  town  book : — 

“ Jacob  Willdes  Chosen  Constable  for  ye  year  Ensuing 
& Sworn,”  1734. 

Jacob  Willdes  chosen  selectman,  1735. 

“At  a Lawfull  Town  Meeting  febr  ye  10th  1735/6  vot- 
ed to  Jacob  Willds  fifty  Six  Shillings  for  his  going  to 
York  Court  Janr  ye  6th  1735/6. 

Jacob  Willds  chosen  selectman  1735/6. 

Jacob  Willds  chosen  “ Survair  of  High  ways,”  1738. 

Jacob  Willds  chosen  selectman,  1741. 

“ Jacob  Willds,  John  Burbank  was  chosen  to  Prosecute 
the  breakers  of  the  Law  Relating  to  ye  Preserving  of  y* 
Deer  & Sworn,  1741.” 

Jacob  Willds  chosen  selectman,  1743. 

His  original  estate  in  Arundel  seems  to  have  been  one- 
half  of  the  four  hundred  and  fifty  acres  sold  by  James 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


55 


Mussey  to  Joseph  Averill  and  Jacob  Wildes,  January  16, 
1727/8.  Three  quarters  of  a sawmill  was  also  included 
in  the  sale.  (York  Deeds,  Yol.  12,  p.  251.)  He  is  called 
millman  until  1733,  when  he  sold  one-half  of  the  mill  to 
Thomas  Perkins.  (York  Deeds,  Yol.  16,  p.  105.)  In  1734 
and  1735,  he  purchased  in  company  with  Moses  Foster, 
four  hundred  acres  of  land  in  Arundel  from  Joseph  and 
Benjamin  Jeffrey  of  Lynn.  (York  Deeds,  Vol.  17,  pp.  78 
& 153.)  In  these  deeds  he  is  called  coaster,  and  husband- 
man. He  died  about  1774,  and  the  administration  of  his 
estate  was  granted  to  his  widow,  Ruth  Wildes,  and  his  son 
Jacob  Wildes,  mariner,  October  10,  1774. 

Ruth  Foster,  daughter  of  Ebenezer  and  Mary  (Borman) 
Foster,  was  born  in  Ipswich,  January  23,  1709/10. 

Children : 

99.  Jacob. 

100.  John. 

101.  Ephraim. 

102.  Mary,  m.  Ebenezer  Emmons. 

103.  Ruth,  m.  Jacob,  son  of  Miles  and  Mary  (Huff)  Rhodes  of 

Kennebunkport.  Children: — Alice,  Louisa,  Sally,  Jacob, 

Moses,  Polly,  Lydia,  John,  Olive. 

104.  Dorothy,  m.  Gideon,  son  of  Abel  and  Mary  (Harding)  Mer- 

rill of  Arundel.  Children:— Abel,  Ruth,  Jemima,  Jacob. 

56  Priscilla  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield,  March  3, 
1706,  married  Jacob  Averill,  her  cousin,  about  1728.  She 
is  mentioned  in  the  will  of  her  mother  in  1758.  She  died 
May  17, 1799  (May  22,  Church  Record).  Jacob  Averill, 
son  of  Nathaniel  and  Sarah  (Howlett)  Averill,  was  born 
in  Topsfield,  August  17,  1702.  He  was  a yeoman  and 
lived  in  Topsfield,  where  he  died  June  15,  1791. 

Children,  born  in  Topsfield : 

105.  Jacob,  b.  March  18,  1728-9. 

106.  Daniel,  b.  Dec.  3,  1730. 

107.  Dorothy,  b.  Feb.  24,  1731-2. 

108.  Lydia,  b.  July  2,  1735. 

109.  Mary,  b.  Aug.  1,  1739. 

110.  Priscilla,  b.  July  1,  1742;  d.  March  29,  1781. 

111.  Amos,  b.  Mar.  25,  1747. 


56 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


57  Samuel  Wildes  was  born  in  Topsfield,  March  2, 
1708.  He  is  said  to  have  been  at  the  capture  of  Norridge- 
wock  with  two  of  his  brothers.  He  settled  in  Arundel, 
Me.  where  there  was  a large  Topsfield  colony,  and  was  for 
several  years  employed  as  schoolmaster.  (Bradbury’s  His- 
tory of  Kennebunkport.)  In  1785  he  was  called  carpen- 
ter, and  in  1748,  husbandman.  He  purchased  one  hun- 
dred acres  of  land  in  Arundel  from  Jonathan  Philbrook, 
December  1,  1728.  (York  Deeds,  Vol.  15,  p.  211.)  His 
will,  made  March  6,  1760,  probated  July  7,  1760,  men- 
tions his  wife,  Elizabeth,  sons  Samuel  and  John  (minors), 
daughters  Mary,  Hannah,  and  Sarah  (minors),  daughter 
Elizabeth  Deshon,  and  granddaughter,  Susannah  Weeks. 

Children  : 

112.  Susannah,  m.  Nicholas  Weeks  of  Kittery.  They  lived  in 

Arundel.  She  d.  in  1757.  He  m.  second,  Phoebe  Averill. 
Child: — Susannah,  m.  George  Ayer. 

113.  Elizabeth,  m.  James  Deshon  before  1760.  He  was  a son  of 

James  and  Chasey  (Perkins)  Deshon.  James  Deshon,  Sr. 
was  a Frenchman,  who  came  to  Arundel  about  1730. 
Children: — Daniel,  Susannah,  John,  Thomas,  Samuel, 
James,  Elizabeth. 

114.  Samuel. 

115.  John,  died,  unm.,  on  board  a Salem  privateer  during  the  Rev- 

olutionary war. 

116.  Sarah,  m. Pitts.  (Bradbury.) 

117.  Hannah,  m.  Peter  Deshon,  son  of  James  and  Chasey  (Per- 

kins) Deshon,  a brother  of  James  Deshon,  who  m.  her 
sister  Elizabeth.  Children: — Samuel,  Hannah,  Joseph, 
Benjamin,  Stephen,  David,  Jonathan,  Lydia. 

118.  Mary,  m.  Dagger  Mitchell,  an  Irishman,  about  1769.  This 

family  moved  from  Arundel.  Children:— Richard,  John, 
Mary. 

58  Hannah  Wildes  was  born  in  Topsfield,  October 
8,  1709.  She  was  apparently  her  father’s  favorite  daugh- 
ter, as  she  received  a larger  legacy  than  the  others  in  his 
will.  She  married  Nathaniel  Averill,  November  24, 1734, 
and  died  his  widow  May  22,  1790.  Capt.  Nathaniel 
Averill  son  of  Nathaniel  and  Sarah  (Howlett)  Averill, 
was  born  in  Topsfield,  September  6,  1700.  He  was  a 
housewright,  and  lived  in  Topsfield,  where  he  died 
August  17, 1751. 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


57 


Children  bom  in  Topsfield : 

119.  Nathaniel,  b.  April  27,  1747. 

120.  Hannah,  b.  Aug.  17,  1750. 

60  Nathan  Wildes  was  born  in  Topsfield,  August 
5,  1713.  December  11,  1788,  he  bought  of  Thomas  Av- 
erill  for  one  hundred  and  four  pounds,  a tract  of  meadow 
and  upland  in  Topsfield.  In  his  sixty-ninth  year,  he  was 
adjudged  non  compos  mentis , and  Samuel  Smith  appointed 
as  his  guardian.  His  near  relatives  Elisha,  Moses,  and 
Ephraim  Wildes,  and  Nathaniel  Averill  are  mentioned. 
He  died  July  10,  1783,  “of  a complication  of  disorders.” 
An  inventory,  amounting  to  £165,  mentions  many  coop- 
er’s tools. 

62  Elijah  Wilds  was  born  in  Topsfield,  January 
4,  1717/18.  He  married  Anna  Hovey  May  15,  1744,  and 
moved  to  Shirley,  a part  of  Groton.  When  the  Shaker  re- 
ligion was  introduced  into  America  by  Ann  Lee,  this  fam- 
ily, among  others  in  Shirley,  was  converted  to  the  new 
faith,  and  the  Shaker  Village  has  been  built  on  his  estate. 
A tradition  remains  that  he  settled  his  estate  on  his  sons 
Ivory  and  Elijah,  and  lived  with  the  latter,  who  occupied 
the  family  mansion.  (Chandler’s  History  of  Shirley.) 
He  died  April  6,  1791.  In  this  branch  of  the  family  the 
name  is  commonly  spelled  Wilds.  Anna  Hovey,  daughter 
of  Capt.  Ivory  and  Anne  (Pingree)  Hovey,  was  born  Sep- 
tember 21,  1720.  She  died  March  16,  1806. 

Children : 

121.  Elijah,  b.  Nov.  10,  1745;  d.  Dec.  27,  1745. 

122.  Elijah,  b.  Nov.  9,  1746. 

123.  Anna,  b.  Feb.  15,  1749;  m.  Elijah  Wheelock  of  Lancaster, 

July  14,  1774.  She  died  Sept.  28,  1838,  a Shaker.  Child: — 
Olive  Wilds,  b.  June  25,  1775;  d.  Sept.  21,  1841,  a Shaker. 

124.  Ivory,  b.  Nov.  27,  1751. 

125.  Molly,  b.  Dec.  27,  1754;  m.  Samuel  Randall  of  Stowe,  in 

1774.  Children: — Ivory,  Eunice,  Samuel. 

126.  Olive,  b.  Apr.  7,  1757;  d.  June  2,  1775. 

127.  Phoebe,  b.  Feb.  15,  1761.  She  m.  Levi,  son  of  John  and  Pru- 

dence (Wheelock)  Warner  of  Lancaster,  who  was  b.  May 
22,  1761.  They  had  one  child  when  they  joined  the 
Shakers.  He  died  June  27,  1825.  After  her  husband’s 
death,  Mrs.  Warner  left  the  sect,  and  died  Dec.  7,  1837. 
Child:— Elijah,  b.Mar  20, ; d.  July  14, 1814,  a Shaker. 


58 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


63  John  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield,  Nov.  1,  1715, 
married  Sarah  Rogers,  Sept.  29,  1742.  On  March  5, 
1738,  he  bought  of  John  Averill  a two-story  house  on 
Ridge  Street  in  Topsfield,  which  Averill  had  built  in 
1730.  The  house,  which  is  still  standing,  remained  in  the 
Wildes  family  until  1833.  He  died  October  28,  1760. 
The  administration  of  his  estate  was  granted  to  his  widow, 
Sarah  Wildes,  Dec.  15, 1760.  Among  the  interesting  items 
in  his  inventory,  dated  Jan.  2,  1761,  are  “Books,”  “a 
Pew  in  the  Meeting  House,”  and  “ War  Armes.”  Sarah 
(Rogers)  Wildes  died  April  23,  1810,  aged  89  years. 
Her  daughter-in-law,  Mrs.  Lydia  Wildes  was  appointed 
administratrix  of  her  estate  September  7, 1812. 

Children : 

128.  Sarah  (?).  A Sarah  Wildes  m.  Nathaniel  Dorman  July  2, 

1765.  Nathaniel,  son  of  Joseph  and  Abigail  (Porter)  Dor- 
man, was  b.  Mar.  31,  1740.  He  died  Oct.  13,  1776.  No 
children  are  recorded. 

129.  Ephraim,  b.  1745;  m.  June  6,  1810,  Lydia,  widow  of  John 

Wright;  d.  Mar.  28,  1812,  aged  67  y.  No  children.  She  m. 
(int.  Jan.  9,  1820)  Dea.  John  Platts  of  Rowley. 

130.  Phoebe  (?),  b.  1747.  A Phoebe  Wilds  m.  Jacob  Kimball  in 

Jan.,  1795.  Jacob,  son  of  Jacob  and  Sarah  (Hale)  Kimball, 
was  b.  in  Andover  in  1731.  He  m.  first,  Priscilla  Smith, 
July  15,  1756.  Jan.  5,  1765,  Jacob  Kimball  “chosen  to  set 
ye  Psalms,  to  sit  in  ye  elders  seat.”  He  was  a soldier  in 
the  Revolution.  He  d.  Nov.  8,  1810.  Phoebe  (Wildes) 
Kimball,  d.  July  18,  1808,  aged  62  y.  (aged  60  y.gravestone.) 
She  had  no  children. 

65.  Zebulon  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield,  December 
19,  1718,  married  Margaret  Hazen,  August  18,  1743.  He 
was  a witness  to  the  will  of  his  grandmother,  Mrs.  Mary 
Wildes  in  1758.  He  lived  in  Topsfield  and  Boxford, 
where  he  owned  a house.  He  died  in  Topsfield,  October 
14,  1804.  Margaret  Hazen,  daughter  of  John  and  Marcy 
(Bradstreet)  Hazen,  was  born  July  16,  1716. 

Children  : 

131.  Molly,  b.  Sept.  5,  1745,  in  Boxford;  d.  unm.,  Feb.  4.  1830, 

“at  the  Almshouse”  in  Topsfield. 

132.  Peggy,  bp.  July  12,  1747;  d.  unm.  Feb.  8,  1832,  “at  the  Alms- 

house.” 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


59 


133.  Zebulon,  b.  May  19,  1750,  in  Boxford;  d.  Sept.  14,  1751,  in 

Boxford. 

134.  Mercy,  b.  Oct.  7,  1753,  in  Topsfield;  d.  unm.,  June  6,  1839,  in 

Topsfield. 

135.  John,  b.  Apr.  14, 1756,  in  Topsfield. 

130.  Ezra,  b.  Feb.  24,  1758,  in  Topsfield. 

60  Elisha  Wildes  was  born  in  Topsfield,  Septem- 
ber 23,  1720.  He  inherited  from  his  father  the  family 
homestead,  built  by  Capt.  John  Wildes,  and  lived  there 
until  his  death,  June  26,  1787.  He  married  Mary  Brad- 
street,  February  27, 1754.  He  served  as  selectman,  1768-9. 
Mary  Bradstreet,  daughter  of  Simon  and  Elizabeth 
(Capen)  Bradstreet,  was  born  in  Topsfield,  May  10,  1731. 

She  was  a granddaughter  of  Rev.  Joseph  Capen,  and  a 
descendant  of  Governors  Dudley,  and  Bradstreet.  She 
died  November  14,  1810. 

Children,  born  in  Topsfield  : 

137.  Sylvanus,  b.  May  6,  1754. 

138.  Mehitable,  b.  Nov.  30,  1756;  d.  unm.,  March  9,  1840. 

139.  Sarah,  b.  Feb.  10,  1761;  d.  unm.,  April  1,  1840. 

70  Amos  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield,  January  27, 
1727-8,  married  Hannah  Perkins,  February  5,  1750-1. 
He  lived  in  Topsfield,  and  died  there  May  24,  1779  of 
smallpox.  His  son,  Dudley  Wildes,  was  appointed  ad- 
ministrator of  his  estate  December  6, 1779.  His  property 
was  valued  at  £ 34, 528.12.  Hannah  Perkins,  daughter 
of  Jonathan  and  Elizabeth  (Porter  ?)  Perkins,  was  born 
in  Topsfield,  January  16,  1727/8.  December  20,  1779, 
“ Hannah  Wildes  relict  widow  of  Amos  Wildes,  departed 
this  life  in  a sudden  & surprising  manner,  by  means  of 
her  own  using.”  She  committed  suicide  by  hanging. 

Children,  born  in  Topsfield  : 

140.  Mary,  b.  February  7,  1752;  m.  Moses  Conant  of  Ipswich, 

June  29,  1779.  He  was  b.  in  Ipswich  about  1749.  He 
served  in  the  battle  of  Lexington  under  Capt.  How. 

Children : — 

Lois,  bp.  July  16,  1780,  in  Topsfield. 

Matilda,  bp.  May  5,  1782. 

William,  bp.  Oct.  10, 1785. 

Asa  Wildes,  b.  about  1788. 


60 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


141.  Lois,  bp.  July  22,  1753;  d.  June  7,  1779,  of  smallpox. 

142.  Amos,  bp.  Feb.  16,  1755. 

143.  Asa,  bp.  July  31,  1757. 

144.  Dudley,  bp.  Jan.  7,  1759. 

145.  “Tamme,”  bp.  April  11,  1762;  m.  Bethiah  Harris;  d.  April  17, 

1776. 

79  Jacob  Wildes,  born  in  Topsfield,  November  6, 
1733,  married  Mrs.  Martha  Day  of  Ipswich  (int.  June  5, 
1755).  He  died  July  14,  1757,  “at  Fort  Edward ’’ap- 
parently while  serving  in  the  army  during  the  French 
War.  His  widow,  Martha  Wildes,  married  Thomas  Per- 
kins, Jr.,  January  24,  1760. 

Child : 

146.  Lydia,  b.  Sept.  14,  1756.  She  was  mentioned  in  the  will  of 

her  grandfather,  Ephraim  Wildes.  She  m.  Archaleus  Per- 
kins, at  Boxford,  June  18,  1778.  They  moved  to  Dunbar- 
ton, N.  H.  He  was  born  April  4,  1756,  and  d.  Feb.  13,  1825. 
Children: — Archelaus,  Lydia,  Hannah,  Daniel,  Thomas, 
Sally,  Jacob,  David. 

81  Thomas  Wildes,  born  in  Topsfield,  March  9, 
1737/8,  married  Anna  Batchelder,  at  Wenham,  May  12, 
1761.  He  died  November  15,  1781,  “of  a lethargy.” 
The  administration  of  his  estate  was  granted  to  his  widow, 
Anna  Wildes,  March  4,  1782.  His  property  was  valued 
at  X443.19.10.  Books  and  armor  figure  in  his  inventory. 
Anna  Batchelder,  daughter  of  Ebenezer  and  Jerusha 
(Kimball)  Batchelder,  was  born  in  Wenham,  May  14, 
1740/1. 

Children,  born  in  Topsfield  : 

147.  Jacob,  b.  June  20,  1762. 

148.  Daniel,  bp.  Aug.  11,  1765. 

149.  Huldah,  bp.  June  28,  1767;  m.  Jacob  Peabody  of  Topsfield, 

Nov.  15,  1785.  Jacob,  son  of  Jacob  and  Sarah  (Potter) 
Peabody,  was  b.  May  10,  1764.  He  was  a miller.  He  d. 
Oct.  6,  1845.  She  d.  June  30,  1811.  11  children. 

82  Moses  Wildes,  born  in  Topsfield,  July  30, 1740, 
married  December  12,  1775,  at  Linebrook  Parish,  Mrs. 
Susannah  Deering  of  Ipswich  ; yeoman.  He  owned  and 
occupied  the  original  Wildes  homestead,  built  by  his  great- 
grandfather, John  Wild,  and  died  July  24,  1810.  Susan- 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


61 


nah  (Deering)  Wildes  died  February  20,  1837,  aged  85 
years,  6 months. 

Children,  born  in  Topsfield : 

150.  Moses  (twin),  b.  Aug.  4,  1777. 

151.  Humphrey  (twin),  b.  Aug.  4,  1777. 

152.  Ephraim,  b.  March  4,  1782. 

153.  Susannah,  b.  Feb.  20,  1785;  m.  Cyrus  Cummings  of  Tops- 

field,  May  25,  1809,  and  d.  Jan.  7,  1852.  Cyrus  Cummings, 
son  of  Joseph  and  Anna  (Gove)  Cummings,  wash.  July  30, 
1782.  He  kept  the  famous  Topsfield  Hotel,  and  was  prom- 
inent in  town  affairs,  holding  all  the  offices  within  the  gift 
of  the  town.  He  d.  April  26,  1827. 

Children: — 

Susan,  b.  Aug.  20,  1810;  m.  Rev.  Martin  Moore  of  Bos- 
ton. 

Mary  Ann,  b.  May  16,  1813. 

Cyrus,  b.  Nov.  24,  1816. 

Catherine,  b.  April  21,  1819;  d.  Feb.  20,  1820. 

Humphrey,  b.  Feb.  27,  1822. 

154.  Solomon,  b.  May  1,  1791. 

88  Nathaniel  Wildes  was  born  in  Topsfield,  April 
23, 1727.  He  moved  with  his  father  to  Arundel,  Maine, 
and  kept  a tavern  there.  He  married  Lydia  Griffin  in 
Topsfield,  Nov.  1,  1749.  He  was  called  u tailor”  in  1752. 
January  3,  1764,  he  was  appointed  guardian  of  his  cousin 
John,  son  of  Samuel  Wildes.  The  date  of  his  death  is 
unknown.  His  widow  Lydia  Wildes  was  appointed  ad- 
ministratrix of  his  estate,  April  11,  1768.  His  property 
amounted  to  £239.  1.  6.  Among  the  items  of  the  inven- 
tory were  the  following  : “2  pr  silver  buckles,”  “ 1 great 
Bible,”  “one  small  Bible  and  other  old  Books.”  His 
widow  married  Thomas  Dempsey. 

Children,  born  at  Arundel : 

155.  Mary,  b.  Feb.  21,  1752;  m.  John  Davis,  Oct.  6,  1776. 

156.  Elizabeth,  b.  June  10,  1756;  m.  Stephen  Seavey,  Sept.  1, 

1774.  He  was  a son  of  Nicholas  and  Hannah  (Leach) 
Seavey  of  Arundel. 

157.  Lydia,  b.  Feb.  14,  1758;  m.  Josiah  Hutchings,  May  25,  1784. 

158.  Benjamin,  b.  May  14,  1762;  m.  Sarah  Davis. 


62 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


99  Jacob  Wildes  born  about  1728,  was  a mar- 
iner and  lived  in  Arundel,  where  his  father  conveyed  to 
him  a house  and  fifty  acres  of  land  on  Miller’s  brook, 
on  April  18,  1755.  He  married,  first,  Abigail  Stevens, 
and,  second,  Lydia  Banks  of  Saco,  July  8,  1772.  He 
was  Representative  from  the  town  in  1777,  and  from  1792 
to  1796.  In  his  will,  made  April  21,  1803,  he  mentions 
his  sons  Joseph  and  William,  his  daughters  Sarah  Gillpat- 
rick,  Lucy  Durrell,  and  his  grandaughters  Susannah, 
Elizabeth,  and  Abigail  Wildes.  Abigail  Stevens  was  a 
daughter  of  Moses  and  Lucy  (Wheelwright)  Stevens. 

Children : 

159.  Sarah,  m.  Christopher  Gillpatrick,  son  of  William  and  Mar- 

tha (Thompson)  Gillpatrick.  He  was  b.  in  1751. 

160.  Jacob,  d.  young. 

161.  Jacob.  He  was  in  Col.  Furney’s  regiment  at  Lake  Cham- 

plain in  1776.  He  afterwards  was  commander  of  the 
privateer  schooner  Greyhound,  8 guns;  the  privateer 
Hawk,  6 guns;  and  the  ship  General  Greene;  16  guns.  He 
was  lost  at  sea  in  1785,  between  Martha’s  Vineyard  and 
Boston. 

162.  Lucy,  m.  Jacob  Durrell,  son  of  Benjamin  and  Judith  (Per- 

kins) Durrell,  Dec.  30,  1783. 

163.  Israel. 

164.  William. 

165.  Joseph. 

166.  A child  who  d.  young. 

100  John  W ildes  was  a mariner,  and  lived  in  Arun- 
del. He  married  Jane  Stone.  The  administration  of  his 
estate  was  granted  to  his  widow,  Jane  Wildes,  on  October 
11,  1773.  The  amount  of  his  inventory  was  £157.  4.  4. 
Among  the  items  were  “ Delph  Ware,”  “Hat  & Wigg,” 
“ Quadrant  & Sea  Books.”  Jane  Stone  was  a daughter  of 
Dixey  and  Mary  (Curtis')  Stone  of  Arundel. 

Children : 

167.  John,  d.  young. 

168.  Lydia,  m.  Alexander,  son  of  Benjamin  and  Eunice  (Lord) 

Thompson,  April  8,  1784. 

169.  Thomas. 

170.  Dixey. 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


63 


101  Ephraim  Wildes  lived  in  Arundel,  and  mar- 
ried Temperance  Downing.  Serg.  Ephraim  Wildes  saw 
active  service  in  the  Revolutionary  War,  and  died  in 
Arundel  about  1833.  Temperance  Downing  was  a daugh- 
ter of  Benjamin  and  Elizabeth  (Fabyans)  Downing. 

Children  : 

171.  Ephraim,  d.  young. 

172.  Mary,  m.  Elidicom,  son  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Deering) 

Emmons,  July  30,  1790. 

173.  Elizabeth,  m.  Thomas  Lee  of  Biddeford,  Feb.  9,  1797. 

174.  Lydia,  d.  young. 

175.  Ruth,  m.  Cleopas  Smith  of  Biddeford,  Feb.  12,  1804. 

176.  Phcebe,  m.  James  Taylor,  Jr.,  July  13,  1813. 

177.  John. 

178.  Jacob. 

114  Samuel  Wildes  married  Olive  Deshon,  and 
lived  in  Arundel.  Owing  to  the  almost  total  lack  of 
town  records  in  Arundel,  it  is  difficult  to  obtain  much 
definite  information  concerning  this  branch  of  the  family. 
He  served  in  the  Revolution,  being  drafted  in  October, 
1776. 

Children : 

179.  Mehitable,  pub.  to  Daniel  Hazen,  Aug.  27,  1796. 

180.  Samuel. 

181.  Ephraim. 

182.  John. 

183.  Persis,  m.  John  Rhodes,  Jr.,  Aug.  18,  1796. 

184.  Jacob. 

185.  Isaac. 

186.  Sara.  A Sarah  Wildes  m.  Benjamin  Adams,  Jr.,  Dec.  18, 

1794. 

187.  Mary. 

122  Elijah  Wilds  bom  in  Shirley,  November  9, 1746, 
married  Eunice  Safford  of  Harvard,  July  4,  1771.  He 
joined  the  Shaker  Society,  and  was  appointed  an  elder  at 
its  organization  in  Shirley.  He  held  this  office  until  his 
death,  March  14,  1829.  His  death  was  deeply  felt  by  the 
members  of  the  order,  who  had  been  under  his  teaching 
and  supervision  for  many  years.  His  funeral  address  is 
printed  in  Chandler’s  History  of  Shirley.  Eunice  (Safford) 
Wilds  died  November  11,  1819. 


64 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


Children,  born  in  Shirley  : 

188.  Eunice,  b.  Oct.  11,  1772;  d.  May  29,  1855,  a Shaker.  * 

189.  Abigail,  b.  Oct.  1,  1774;  m.  Benjamin  Willard  of  Harvard. 

Shed.  Oct.  12,  1848.  Child: — Jerome  Willard,  b.  Oct.  26, 
1818. 

190.  Olive,  b.  Aug.  15,  1776.  She  left  the  Shakers,  and  m.  Phin- 

eas  Ames,  who  had  also  been  a Shaker.  She  d.  in  Cam- 
bridge, Aug.  10,  1872.  Child: — Mary  Ames. 

191.  Anna,  b.  Feb.  15,  1779;  m.  Flavel  Coolidge,  in  1806.  They 

lived  in  Cambridge,  and  she  d.  there  June  28,  1854.  Chil- 
dren:— Herrick  Coolidge,  b.  Oct.  8,  1806;  Helen  Coolidge; 
Martha  Coolidge,  b.  Jan.  19,  1814. 

192.  Martha,  b.  Dec.  20,  1781;  d.  Jan.  23,  1827,  unm. 

124  Ivory  Wilds  born  in  Shirley,  November  25, 
1751,  married  Hannah  Estabrook  of  Lancaster,  April  3, 
1777.  He  was  converted  to  the  Shaker  faith,  and  was 
made  a deacon  of  the  sect.  He  died  September  13,  1817. 

Children,  born  in  Shirley  : 

193.  Nathan,  b.  April  14,  1778. 

194.  Levi,  b.  June  9,  1782. 

136  Ezra  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield,  Feb.  24,  1758, 
married,  first,  July  12,  1785  in  Boxford,  Mary  (Polly) 
Wright  of  Methuen  ; married,  second,  at  Rowley,  Dec.  4, 
1800,  Sally  Phillips  who  died  at  Georgetown,  Sept.  7, 
1844,  aged  75  years.  He  died  Dec.  17,  1824  at  Rowley, 
of  consumption.  Popularly  known  as  “fiddler  Wildes.” 
Lived  in  Boxford  and  New  Rowley,  now  Georgetown. 
Soldier  in  the  Revolution. 

Children : 

195.  James,  b.  April  2, 1790,  at  Rowley ; m.  Hannah  Lefavour,  int. 

Jan.  21, 1816  (Topsfield).  He  was  then  of  Portsmouth,  N.  H. 

195a.  Sarah,  m. Spiller.  Lived  in  New  Hampshire. 

196.  Ephraim,  b.  March  20,  1801,  at  Rowley. 

197.  Asa,  d.  in  infancy. 

198.  Greene,  b.  July  21,  1800. 

198a.  Asa,  b.  about  1808.  Probably  died  of  yellow  fever  in  1838, 
in  Charleston,  S.  C. 

199.  George,  b.  Nov.,  1811. 

200.  Charles,  b.  Nov.,  1814. 

201.  Ira,  d.  June  3,  1843,  in  Newbury,  aged  26  years. 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


65 


137  Sylvanus  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield,  May  6, 
1754,  married  (int.  Feb.  11,  1781),  Rebecca,  daughter  of 
Thomas  and  Sarah  (Wade)  Baker.  She  died  Jan.  15, 1837, 
aged  83  years  and  11  months.  He  died  Nov.  19,  1829. 
Graduated  at  Harvard  College  in  1777.  Lawyer.  Lived 
in  Topsfield  in  the  two-story  house  that  stood,  until  it  was 
taken  down  in  1863-4,  beside  the  narrow  way  now  known 
as  Meeting  House  Lane. 

Children  born  in  Topsfield  : 

202.  Charles,  b.  Mar.  2,  1782;  d.  unm.  Nov.  9,  1826. 

203.  John,  b.  Feb.  9,  1784;  d.  unm.  Feb.  4,  1849. 

204.  Elizabeth,  b.  Mar.  11,  1787;  m.  Dec.  24,  1809,  William  Waitt. 

He  was  drowned  at  sea,  Sept.  22,  1817.  She  d.  Mar.  16,  1853. 

205.  Sophia,  b.  Mar.  16,  1789;  m.  Apr.  23,  1809,  Jacob  Towne,  3d. 

206.  Clarissa,  b.  May  24,  1791;  d.  unm.  Jan.  27,  1875. 

207.  Elisha,  b.  Mar.  18,  1796;  d.  J 24,  1799. 

144  Dudley  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield,  Jan.  7,  1759, 
married  May  1,  1782  (1781.  Church  Rd.),  Bethia  Harris. 
He  died  Jan.  21,  1820,  and  she  died  Feb.  25,  1833,  aged 
85  years.  Yeoman  and  lived  on  what  is  now  Wildes  street, 
in  the  northeastern  part  of  Topsfield  near  the  Ipswich  line. 

Children  born  in  Topsfield  : 

208.  Amos,  b.  May  5,  1782;  m.  July  8,  1819,  Sally  Burnham,  chil- 

dren, born  in  Topsfield;  Aretliusa,  b.  Jan.  17,  1820,  m.  June 
28,  1846,  Joseph  W.  Legro  of  Danvers;  Lydia  Ann,  b.  June 
18,  1821. 

209.  Dudley  (twin),  b.  May,  1786. 

210.  Asa  Waldo  (twin),  b.  May,  1786. 

211.  Elizabeth  (Betsey) ; m.  Jan.  21,  1835,  David  Hobbs,  jr. 

212.  A child,  d.  bet.  Oct.  1 and  Dec.  31,  1793,  Topsfield. 

148  Daniel  Wildes  baptized  in  Topsfield,  Aug.  11, 
1765,  married,  Oct.  12,  1797,  Eunice,  daughter  of  Lot  and 
Eunice  Conant,  of  Ipswich.  He  died  “suddenly,”  J uly  5, 
1811,  and  she  remained  his  widow  for  53  years,  dying  in 
Boxford,  Sept.  19,  1864,  aged  94  years. 

Children  born  in  Topsfield  : 

213.  Joshua,  b.  July  13,  1798,  farmer;  d.  May  15,  1862. 

214.  Sally,  b.  Dec.  17,  1799;  d.  unm.  Sept.  12,  1820,  consumption. 

215.  Thomas,  b.  Mar.  2,  1802. 

216.  Israel,  b.  Nov.  23,  1805. 


66 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


217.  Mehitable,  b.  July  7,  1807;  m.  May  9,  1826,  Amos  Andrews. 

218.  Moses,  b.  Nov.  4.  1810. 

150  Moses  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield,  Aug.  4,  1777, 
married,  June  22,  1802,  Esther  Dwinell,  daughter  of 
John  and  Esther.  He  died  Jan.  2,  1838,  and  she  died  Sept. 
23,  1858,  aged  79  years,  10  months.  Yeoman. 

Children,  born  in  Topsfield  : 

219.  Esther,  b.  Apr.  14,  1803;  m.  Feb.  28,  1828,  Jeremiah  Stone, 

M.  D.,  and  d.  Feb.  16,  1876.  Children:  Esther  Wildes,  b. 
Dec.  16,  1828,  m.  Urban  P.  Hutchings,  3 children;  Susan 
Alzea,  b.  Feb.  23,  1834,  m.  Mar.  26,  1865,  George  S.  Mann,  2 
children. 

220.  Susan,  b.  Oct.  28,  1804;  d.  unm.  June  1,  1884. 

221.  Joseph,  b.  May  2,  1807;  d.  unm.  Mar.  10,  1862. 

222.  Moses,  b.  June  11,  1809;  d.  unm.  in  Topsfield,  Nov.  5,  1889. 

In  1828  he  removed  to  Boston  and  became  associated  with 
his  uncle  Solomon  Wildes  in  the  management  of  Wildes’ 
Hotel,  on  Elm  street,  a widely-known  resort  for  stages. 
He  retired  from  active  business  in  1850  but  kept  up  his 
Boston  associations  and  was  a well-known  figure  in  State 
street.  He  was  highly  respected  for  his  integrity  and  was 
very  popular  as  a landlord.  At  his  death  bequests  of  con- 
siderable amount  were  made  to  local  institutions  and  Bos- 
ton charities. 

223.  Thomas  Meady,  b.  April  7,  1812;  d.  April  17,  1812. 

151  Humphrey  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield,  Aug.  4, 
1779,  married  (int.  April  8,  1804)  Nabby  Peabody,  daugh- 
ter of  John  and  Lydia.  She  died  Nov.  18,  1857,  aged  76 
years,  5 months,  and  he  died  Feb.  19,  1862.  Farmer. 

Children,  born  in  Topsfield  : 

224.  Nabby'  (bapt.  Abigail),  b.  Nov.  7,  1806;  m.  July  1,  1833,  John 

Wright;  d.  Oct.  19,  1851. 

225.  Lucinda,  b.  Mar.  14,  1809;  m.  Dec.  11,  1849,  John  Todd. 

226.  Humphrey,  b.  May  11,  1814. 

152  Col.  Ephraim  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield,  Mar. 
4,  1782,  married,  Apr.  8,  1807,  Rachel  Towne,  daughter  of 
Jacob  and  Rachel.  He  died  Jan.  31,  1829,  in  Boston.  His 
widow  was  insane  at  the  last  of  her  life,  and  committed 
suicide  by  hanging,  April  15,  1830. 

He  was  for  many  years  proprietor  of  the  Eastern  Stage 
House  on  Ann  street  (now  North  street),  Boston. 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


67 


Children,  born  in  Topsfield  : 

227.  William,  b.  Apr.  17, 1808;  m.  Mary  AnnWillis  of  Cambridge. 

He  d.  in  Cambridge,  Aug.  20,  1865.  Children:  George, 

Charles,  Louisa,  Alice. 

228.  Ephraim,  b.  Mar.  11,  1810;  d.  unm.,  Jan.  22,  1873. 

229.  Lucy  Ann,  b.  Jan.  4,  1817;  m.  Thomas  Gilbert  Thornton  of 

Saco,  Me.  She  d.  in  Boston,  April  7,  1883,  s.p. 

230.  Moses,  b.  Nov.  9,  1818;  m.  Caroline  Willis  of  Boston;  d.  in 

Boston,  Oct.  29,  1887,  s.  p.  Engaged  in  the  hotel  business  in 

Boston. 

231.  Rachel,  b.  Mar.  30,  1823;  m.  Jan.  28,  1841,  George  W.  Lewis 

of  Boston.  Children:  George,  b.  Nov.  1,  1841;  Charles,  b. 

May  26,  1846. 

154  Solomon  Wildes  born  May  1,  1791,  married, 
first,  Oct.  4,  1818,  Phebe  Bradstreet,  daughter  of  Moses 
and  Lydia.  She  died  Apr.  25,  1824,  aged  26  years,  and  he 
married,  second,  Jan.  29,  1826,  Ruth  Bradstreet.  She  died 
in  Boston,  Jan.  7,  1874.  He  died  in  Boston,  Oct.  22, 
1867.  For  many  years  he  was  associated  with  his 
brother  Ephraim  in  the  hotel  business  in  Boston. 

Child  by  first  wife: 

232.  Moses  Bradstreet,  b.  July  8,  1819,  in  Topsfield. 

Children  by  second  wife,  born  in  Boston : 

233.  Phebe  Bradstreet,  b.  April  23,  1827 ; d.  unm.  Oct  28,  1868, 

in  Boston. 

234.  Catherine,  b.  Mar.  9,  1829;  m.  William  B.  Richmond  of 

Memphis,  Tenn.  She  d.  July  14,  1860. 

235.  Harriet  Amelia,  b.  Feb.  19,  1837;  m.  John  M.  Welsh  of 

Scotland.  She  d.  Nov.  5,  1901. 

236.  Ruth  Adelaide,  b.  April  2,  1840;  m.  Dec.  28,  1869,  Herbert 

Beach  of  England. 

196  Ephraim  Wildes  born  in  Rowley,  Mar.  20, 
1801,  married  at  Boxford,  June  6,  1822,  Huldah  Emerson 
of  Boxford.  He  died  in  Georgetown,  Aug.  4,  1838,  and 
she  married,  second,  June  13,  1842,  William  Tenney  of 
Rowley. 

Children  : 

237.  Elbridge  Gerry,  b.  Nov.  23,  1822  at  Topsfield;  m.  Feb.  28, 

1842,  at  Georgetown,  Mary  L.  Rogers.  He  d.  July  12,  1854,  at 

Georgetown.  She  d.  Apr.  10,  1857,  at  Rowley.  Children:  Lu- 

cretia,  b.  Aug.  14,  1848;  Ira  William,  b.  May  14,  1852. 


68 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


238.  Greene,  b.  1826-6. 

239.  A daughter,  d.  Dec.  28,  1826,  at  Rowley,  set.  2 years. 

240.  Samuel  P.,  b.  1831. 

241.  Mary  E.,  b.  1833  in  Rowley;  m.  Nov.  24,  1849,  at  Topsfield, 

Timothy  W.  Spiller,  shoemaker. 

242.  Luther  Shaw,  b.  in  Ipswich. 

198  Greene  Wildes  born  July  21, 1806,  married  Oct. 
10,  1831,  at  Rowley,  Mary  B.,  daughter  of  Jeremiah  and 
Sarah  (Barker)  Jewett  of  Rowley.  He  died  in  George- 
town, Aug.  24, 1874.  She  died  in  Georgetown,  Feb.  13, 
1882,  aged  74  years. 

Children : 

243.  Edward  Payson,  b.  Aug.27,  1832,  in  Rowley;  d.  May  4, 1898, 

in  Georgetown;  m.  April  16,  1857,  Martha  J.  Dorman  of 
Georgetown.  Child:  Charles  Edward,  b.  May  11,  1858,  who 
m.  Nov.  12,  1881,  Emma  H.  Rollins  of  Natick,  and  lives  in 
Haverhill.  Private  in  50th  Mass.  Vols.  in  Civil  War. 

244.  Jeremiah  Jewett,  b.  May  21,  1834,  in  Rowley. 

245.  Sarah  Barker,  b.  Oct.  3,  1836,  in  Rowley;  m.  June,  1866, 

D.  E.  N.  Carleton,  of  West  Newbury;  d.  Mar.  1900.  Children: 
Josephine,  b.  July  7,  1869,  d.  Sept.  2,  1871;  Herbert  Newton, 
b.  Dec.  27,1872;  Ethel  Blanche,  b.  Dec.  23.  1877. 

246.  James  Birney,  b.  May  25,  1840,  in  Rowley;  m.  July  24,  1865, 

Caroline  Augusta,  daughter  of  Nathaniel  and  Caroline 
Plumer.  Private  in  50th  Mass.  Vols.  in  Civil  War.  Lives  in 
Boston.  Children:  Charles  Cushing  Paine,  b.  Jan.  21,  1867;  d. 
Sept.  15,  1867;  George  Thurlow,  b.  Mar.  25,  1869;  d.  Aug.  25, 
1869;  John  Carpenter,  b.  Nov.  23,  1874. 

247.  Ebenezer  Jackman,  b.  Nov.  4,  1843,  in  Georgetown;  d. 

young. 

248.  Eben  Jackman,  b.  Oct.  12,  1845,  in  Georgetown;  m.  June  27, 

1888,  Tena  S.  Beckett  of  Haverhill.  Lives  in  Haverhill. 

249.  Eliza  Moore,  b.  Sept.  27,  1848,  in  Newbury;  m.  Nov.  29, 

1884,  Samuel  P.  Batchelder  of  Georgetown.  Children;  John 
Quincy,  b.  Sept.  6,  1885;  Fred  Wildes,  b.  Apr.  8,  1888;  Flor- 
ence, b.  Sept.  4,  1890. 

250.  Ira  Greene,  b.  Oct.  24,  1851;  m.  Jan.  10, 1878,  Louise,  daugh- 

ter of  A.  J.  Huntress  of  Groveland.  Lives  in  Haverhill. 
Children:  Ada  May,  b.  Jan.  10,  1882,  d.  Oct.  2,  1882;  Howard 
Greene,  b.  Feb.  2,  1884;  Bertha  Garland,  b.  June  22,  1886. 

199  George  Wildes  born  Nov.,  1811,  married  June 
19,  1832,  Abigail  P.  Chase.  They  were  both  then  living  in 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


69 


Rowley.  He  (lied  in  Georgetown,  Aug.  15, 1855,  aged  48 
years,  10  months. 

Children,  born  in  Rowley  : 

251.  Sarah  Pickard,  b.  July  10,  1832;  d.  Sept.  5,  1833. 

252.  George  Thurlow,  b.  June  25,  1833;  m.  June  2,  1856,  Mary 

T.,  daughter  of  Benjamin  and  Abigail  McLaughlin  of  George- 
town. He  d.  April  20,  1863,  at  New  Orleans,  La.  Private  in 
20th  Mass.  Yols.  in  Civil  War. 

253.  John  Lowell  b.  Aug.  26,  1835;  Private  in  19th  Mass.  Yols. 

in  the  Civil  War,  and  d.  in  Virginia. 

253a.  Sarah  Pickard,  b.  1836-7;  m.  Charles  E.  Rogers  of  Byfield. 

200  Charles  Wildes  born  Nov.  1814,  married  Dec. 

12,  1842,  Maria  (Mary.  m.  rd.)  E.,  daughter  of  John  and 
Maria  Glines  of  Newbury.  He  died  in  Georgetown, 

Mar.  19,  1875,  aet.  68  y.  5 m.  She  died  in  Georgetown, 

Feb.  16,  1878,  aet.  56  y.  6 m. 

Children : 

2536.  Sarah  Maria,  b.  Nov.  15,  1843  in  Rowley;  m.  Oct.  4,  1865, 

George  Woodbury.  Lives  in  Georgetown.  Children:  Anson 
E.,  b.  Apr.  19,  1868;  Arthur  W.,  b.  Mar.  8,  1870;  Sarah  E.,  b. 

Feb.  1,  1882;  Ella  M.,  b.  May  5,  1886. 

254.  John  Milton,  b.  Oct.  27,  1844,  in  Georgetown. 

255.  Charles  E.,  b.  Dec.  1,  1855,  in  Georgetown,  d.  March  4,  1860, 

in  Georgetown. 

209  Capt.  Dudley  Wildes  born  in  Topstield,  May, 

1786  ; married,  Feb.  13,  1812,  Abigail,  daughter  of  Samuel 
and  Matta  (Foster)  Bradstreet.  She  died  in  Lynn,  Dec.  2, 

1869,  aged  88  years,  11  months.  He  died  Jan.  11,  1820, 
aged  33  years,  7 months. 

Children,  born  in  Topsfield  : 

256.  Asahel  Huntington,  b.  Apr.  22,  1813. 

267.  Abigail  Bradstreet,  b.  May  17,  1815;  m.  Aug.  9,  1835,  at 

Newbury,  Levi  Pearson  of  Methuen. 

268.  Twin  sons,  b.  and  d.  Sept.  8,  1817. 

259.  Elizabeth  Harris,  b.  June  12,  1819;  m.  Oct.  6,  1840,  Joseph 
W.  Rust. 

210  Asa  Waldo  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield,  May,  1786, 
married,  June  7,  1818,  at  Newburyport,  Eliza  Ann,  daugh- 
ter of  Capt.  Abel  and  Phoebe  (Tilton)  Lunt  of  Newbury- 
port. He  was  graduated  at  Dartmouth  College  in  1809,  and 

Sk4*  dh  J Re-*,  bd  y < 

3 


70 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


for  a time  taught  school  in  Newburyport  and  Washington. 
He  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1820  and  began  the  prac- 
tice of  law  in  Newburyport,  which  he  continued  until  1826 
when  a Commission,  now  known  as  the  County  Commis- 
sioners, was  created  and  Mr.  Wildes  was  appointed  its 
chairman.  He  continued  a member  of  the  Commission,  by 
appointment  and  election,  until  1856,  with  the  exception 
of  one  term,  1842  to  1845.  Mr.  Wildes  was  peculiarly 
fitted  for  the  office  he  so  long  occupied,  and  his  long  in- 
cumbency was  as  creditable  to  the  people  of  Essex  County, 
as  to  himself.  He  served  on  the  Board  of  Selectmen  of 
Newburyport  from  1825  to  1827. 

He  died  Dec.  4,  1857,  aged  71  years,  7 mos.,  at  New- 
buryport. 

Children,  born  in  Newburyport : 

260.  George  Dudley,  b.  June  19,  1819. 

261.  Mary  Howard,  b.  Mar.  6,  1820;  m.  Nov.  18,  1841,  Francis 

Chase  of  Hampton  Falls,  N.  H.  s.  p. 

262.  Asa  Waldo,  b.  Aug.  2,  1822;  m.  first,  Jane  Merrill  Patten; 

m.  2d,  Fanny  Gray  of  Skowhegan,  Maine.  Colonel  of  16th 

Maine  Vols.  and  R.  R.  Commissioner  in  Maine  for  many 

years.  Children:  George  L. ; William  H.;  Annie  W. ; May 

Howard. 

263.  Caroline,  b.  Aug.  27,  1824;  d.  March  13,  1826. 

264.  Joseph  Henry  (Col.),  b.  May  31,  1828,  m.  June  17, 1857,  Alice, 

daughter  of  Hon.  Otis  L.  Bridge,  of  Newburyport.  Children: 

Francis  L. ; Alice  B.  Removed  to  California. 

265.  Caroline  Huntington,  b.  Jan.  29,  1828;  m.  in  Salem,  1858, 

Henry  Perkins  Stanwood,  of  Hopkinton,  N.  H.  s.  p. 

266.  Annie  Tilton,  b.  March  7,  1835;  m.  Oct.  7,  1856,  George  T. 

Brown  of  Haverhill.  Children:  Emily  A. ; Caroline  Wildes; 

Frank  Q. ; Annie  Wildes;  George  Kimball;  Henry  Stanwood. 

267.  Francis  A.,  unm. ; Captain  in  the  Civil  War.  Lived  in  Califor- 

nia and  Portland,  Me. 

215  Thomas  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield,  Mar.  2, 
1802 ; married  at  Ipswich,  Aug.  19,  1824,  Eunice,  daugh- 
ter of  Corp.  John  Foster.  She  died  Aug.  1,  1894,  aged  91 
years,  at  Weathersfield,  Conn.  He  died  Jan.  26,  1871,  at 
Ipswich. 

Children,  born  in  Ipswich  : 

268.  Solomon,  b.  Feb.  16,  1825. 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


71 


269.  Elizabeth  A.,  b.  Sept.  23,  1827;  m.  Aug.  6,  1848,  Leonard, 

Bailey  of  Ipswich.  Removed  to  Weathersfield,  Conn. 

270.  Lucy,  b.  Nov.  8,  1829;  d.  April  23,  1904. 

271.  Sarah,  b.  July  3,  1834;  d.  Dec.  27,  1834. 

272.  Mary  Frances,  b.  April  12,  1844;  m.  Jau.  23,  1868,  John  G. 

Foss,  of  Ipswich. 

216  Israel  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield,  Nov.  28,  1805  ; 
married,  in  Ipswich,  April  22,  1840,  Lydia  Ann,  daughter 
of  Luke  and  Sally  Averill.  She  died  Sept.  25,  1847,  in 
Linebrook,  and  he  died  Dec.  4,  1880  in  Topsfield.  Farmer. 

Children,  born  in  Ipswich : 

273.  Otis  Almond,  b.  Sept.  26,  1843;  d.  Sept.  26,  1847,  in  Line- 

brook,  Ipswich. 

274.  Eugene  Lamont,  b.  Oct.  29,  1845. 

217  Moses  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield,  Nov.  4, 1810; 
married,  first,  in  Ipswich,  June  1,  1840,  Sarah  Ann,  daugh- 
ter of  Capt.  John  Adams.  She  died  July  15,  1858,  at 
Ipswich,  aged  86  years,  and  he  married,  second,  Oct.  8, 
1856,  Sarah  J.,  daughter  of  Enoch  and  Abia  Lombard  of 
Otisfield,  Me.  He  died  Mar.  5,  1895.  Farmer  and  shoe- 
maker. Lived  in  Topsfield. 

Children  by  first  wife,  born  in  Topsfield  : 

275.  Sarah  Frances,  b.  Jan.  30,  1843;  m.  Dec.  13,  1866,  Charles 

L.  Wildes  of  Topsfield. 

276.  Hayward  Loren,  b.  Oct.  24,  1845;  d.  Sept.  1,  1865. 

277.  Lydia  Adams,  b.  Dec.  24,  1848,  in  Ipswich;  m.  Jan.  23,  1872, 

Alden  P.  Peabody  of  Topsfield. 

278.  Susan  Ella,  b.  June  14, 1853,  in  Ipswich.  When  9 months  old, 

her  mother  having  died,  she  was  given  to  John  Chapman 
of  Ipswich  and  her  name  was  changed  to  Edna  Chapman. 
She  m.  Fred  Wilcomb  of  Ipswich.  No  children. 

Children  by  second  wife,  born  in  Topsfield  : 

279.  Almond  Otis,  b.  Oct.  22,  1857;  d.  Dec.  13,  1857. 

280.  Servetus  Lombard,  b.  Dec.  7,  1858;  shoemaker;  d.  unm. 

Feb.  23,  1889. 

281.  Lucy  Ella,  b.  Mar.  21,  1861;  d.  unm.  April  18,  1878  in  Tops- 

field. 

282.  Henry  Walter,  b.  Jan.  22,  1863;  watchmaker;  d.  unm.  May 

7,  1892  in  Topsfield. 

283.  Effie  May,  b.  Feb.  11,  1866;  m.  Feb.  19,  1887,  Walter  Eldron 

Milbury  of  Middleton. 


72 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


225  Humphrey  Wildes  bom  in  Topsfield,  May  11, 
1814,  married,  Mar.  8, 1885,  Olive  Brown  Perkins,  daugh- 
ter of  Amos,  jr.  and  Betsey.  She  died  Mar.  25,  1862,  aged 
48  years,  and  he  died  Dec.  9,  1888.  Bootmaker. 

Children,  born  in  Topsfield  : 

284.  Lucy  Ann,  b.  June  11,  1837;  m.  Apr.  20,  1855,  Benjamin  0. 

Dodd  of  Topsfield. 

285.  Abby  Elizabeth,  b.  July  31,  1839;  d.  Apr.  20,  1841. 

286.  Lewis  Humphrey,  b.  July  10,  1842. 

287.  William  Herbert,  b.  Oct.  13,  1843. 

288.  Charles  Loring,  b.  Sept.  14,  1845;  m.  Dec.  13,  1866,  Sarah 

Frances  Wildes,  dau.  of  Moses  and  Sarah  Ann.  Shoemaker. 

He  d.  May  26,  1873,  in  Topsfield.  Child:  Hayward  Harland, 

b.  Oct.  6,  1870. 

289.  Alvin  T.,  b.  Oct.,  1847;  d.  Feb.  14,  1853. 

290.  Austin  Perkins,  b.  Nov.  13,  1849;  d.  Nov.  6,  1853. 

291.  John  T.,  b.  Nov.  8,  1851 ; d.  Feb.  15,  1853. 

292.  George  Alvin,  b.  Oct.  10,  1854. 

232  Moses  Bradstreet  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield, 
July  8, 1819,  married,  at  Boston,  Emeline  Augusta,  daugh- 
ter of  Jonathan  Heath.  In  the  early  part  of  his  life  he 
was  engaged  with  his  father  in  the  hotel  business  in  Elm 
street,  Boston,  and  afterwards  embarked  in  the  dry  goods 
trade  and  subsequently  became  interested  in  the  shipping 
trade  with  California  and  the  East  Indies.  After  the  death 
of  his  father  the  management  of  the  family  estate  occupied 
his  time.  He  died  in  Boston  on  May  6,  1890.  She  died 
Oct.  25,  1868,  aged  44  years,  6 months. 

Children,  born  in  Boston  : 

293.  Frank  Waldo,  b.  Oct.  17,  1843. 

294.  Frederick  Bradstreet,  b.  Aug.  29,  1847 ; d.  unm.  July  13, 

1905. 

295.  Emma  Gertrude,  b.  Sept.  26,  1848;  unm. 

296.  Marion  Richmond,  b.  Dec.  2,  1854;  m.  May  6,  1893,  George 

H.  Adams  of  Boston;  d.  Feb.  23,  1896. 

297.  Anna  Heath,  b.  July  16,  1857;  m.  Edward  Cramer  of  Milwau- 

kee. 

298.  Katherine  Richmond,  b.  Sept.  28,  1864;  unm. 

238  Greene  Wildes  born  1825-6  ; married  (int.  Sept. 
5,  1846,  in  Georgetown.)  Mary  B.  daughter  of  John  and 
Mehitable  Bailey)  Davis.  She  died  in  Georgetown,  Dec. 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


73 


8,  1904,  aged  77  years,  6 months.  He  died  about  1860 
in  Sacramento,  California. 

Children,  born  in  Georgetown  : 

299.  Abby  J.,  b.  May  15,  1846;  d.  Nov.  25,  1862  at  Georgetown. 

300.  Rowena,  b.  Mar.  15,  1847. 

300a.  Lyman  G.,  b.  Aug.  4,  1849;  d.  Sept.  22,  1888;  m.  Hattie  J. 
Perkins,  who  d.  June  26,  1876.  Child:  George  Arthur,  b. 
June  14,  1873;  m.  May  12,  1900,  Addie  T.  Grundy  of  George- 
town. 

240  Samuel  P.  Wildes  born  in  1831,  married  Sept. 
1,  1853,  Sarah  R.,  daughter  of  William  and  Sarah  (Thomas) 
Risk  of  Rowley.  He  was  then  living  in  Georgetown.  She 
died  in  Rowley,  Sept.  12,  1864,  aged  36  years.  He  died 
in  Rowley,  Dec.  14,  1855,  aged  24  years. 

Child,  born  in  Rowley  : 

301.  Ednah  Jane,  b.  June  16,  1855;  d.  Nov.  16,  1856  at  Rowley. 

242  Luther  Shaw  Wildes  born  in  Ipswich,  married 
(int.  Georgetown,  June  7,  1855.)  Caroline  Barber,  daugh- 
ter of  Eben  and  Lois  Floyd  of  Georgetown.  He  died  Feb. 
24,  1876  at  Newburyport.  She  married,  second,  Sept.  10, 
1881,  at  Newburyport,  Henry  Hewitt. 

Children,  born  in  Georgetown  : 

302.  Walter  Lee,  b.  Apr.  4,  1858;  m.  Dec.  25,  1880,  Laura  E. 

Hitchcock  of  Georgetown.  Children:  Luther,  b.  Dec.  1, 
1882  in  Newburyport;  Ruth  Collum,  b.  Jan.  28,  1890  in 
Georgetown;  Ralph  and  Raymond  (twins),  b.  Jan.  26,  1891, 
in  Georgetown. 

303.  A daughter,  b.  Sept.  11,  1860. 

304.  Carrie  F.  (twin),  b.  July  26,  1862. 

305.  Clara  E.  (twin),  b.  July  26,  1862. 

306.  Leona  J.,  m.  Sept.  10,  1880,  Edward  E.  Collum,  at  Newbury- 

port. 

307.  Henry  Hudson,  b.  Oct.  7,  1874,  at  Newburyport. 

244  Jeremiah  Jewett  Wildes  born  in  Rowley,  May 
21,  1834,  married  Oct.  19,  1865,  Sarah  E.,  daughter  of 
John  and  Hannah  (Wadleigh)  Tarleton  of  West  New- 
bury. Lives  in  Georgetown. 

Children,  born  in  Georgetown  : 

308.  Anna  Tarleton,  b.  Oct.  2,  1869;  m.  Mar.  7,  1896,  Leopold  I. 

DeQuoy  of  Boston.  Child:  Stanley  Wildes,  b.  Feb.  14,  1898. 


74 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


309.  Hattie  Greene,  b.  May  22,  1871.  School  teacher. 

310.  Alice  Augusta,  b.  Mar.  28,  1873;  m.  Apr.  9,  1891,  Charles 

A.  Stetson  of  Boxford.  Children:  Mary  Arnold,  b.  Jan.  19, 

1892;  Elizabeth  Jewett,  b.  April  29,  1893;  Harriet  Endicott, 

b.  Dec.  9,  1894;  Eleanor,  b.  Sept.  7,  1896;  Satira  Tarleton,  b. 

Mar.  27,  1898;  William  Chester,  b.  July  19,  1900;  Charles 

Hazen,  b.  Aug.  14,  1902;  Clifford  Wildes,  b.  Sept.  11,  1905. 

311.  Ell  wood  Thurston,  b.  May  7,  1877 ; sole-leather  cutter. 

254  John  Milton  Wildes  born  in  Georgetown,  Oct. 
27,  1844,  married  at  Newbmyport,  Oct.  10, 1865,  Catherine 
(Kate.  m.  rd.)  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Sarah 
Furbush  of  Georgetown.  Private  in  2d  Mass.  Heavy  Art. 
in  the  Civil  War.  Lives  in  Haverhill. 

Children,  born  in  Georgetown  : 

312.  Charles  Milton,  b.  June  28,  1866;  d.  Dec.  10,  1867. 

313.  Frank  Henry,  b.  July  14,  1868,  m.  Sept.  7,  1898,  Susie  E. 

Brown. 

314.  Lizzie  Flora,  b.  Sept.  3,  1869;  m.  May  11,  1893,  Charles  R. 

Grover. 

315.  Sadie  Milton,  b.  Dec.  21,  1872;  d.  May  13,  1878. 

316.  Charles  Milton,  b.  Jan.  25,  1874,  m.  Jan.  28,  1900,  Maud 

Blake. 

317.  Winnifred,  b.  Nov.  30,  1878;  m.  Dec.  28,  1904,  Mildred  M. 

Hodgdon. 

256  Asahel  Huntington  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield, 
April  22,  1818,  married  at  Ipswich,  Dec.  7,  1843,  Wilhel- 
mina  Dodge.  She  died  Feb.  27,  1892,  aged  72  years.  He 
died  Mar.  4,  1879  in  Ipswich. 

Children,  born  in  Ipswich  : 

318.  A daughter,  still  born,  June  21,  1845. 

319.  Edward  Bradstreet,  b.  Aug.  7,  1846. 

320.  George  D.,  b.  June  11, 1849;  m.  Blanche  H.  Dodge.  Children: 

Blanche,  b.  Apr.  6,  1880;  Margery,  b.  Aug.  25,  1883. 

321.  Frances,  b.  Nov.  11,  1852;  d.  Nov.  28,  1852. 

260  George  Dudley  Wildes  bom  in  Newburyport, 
June  19,  1819,  married  Nov.  5,  1846,  Harriette,  daughter 
of  Benjamin  Howard  of  Boston.  He  fitted  for  Harvard 
and  was  graduated  at  the  Virginia  Theological  Seminary 
at  Alexandria  and  ordained  deacon  in  1846  at  New  Bed- 
ford, Mass.,  at  the  same  time  being  invited  to  the  profes- 
sorship of  mathematics  at  Shelby  College,  Ky.  After 
holding  several  charges,  he  became  assistant  at  St.  Paul’s, 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


75 


Boston.  He  afterwards  was  at  Brookline.  In  1859  he 
became  the  first  rector  of  Grace  church,  Salem,  where  he 
remained  until  1867.  While  at  Salem  he  became  a mem- 
ber of  the  State  Board  of  Education.  At  the  outset  of  the 
Civil  War,  he  was  instrumental  in  raising  the  19th  and 
23d  Massachusetts  regiments,  forming  also  the  field  hos- 
pital corps  and  being  commissioned  its  chaplain.  In  1867 
he  became  rector  of  Christ  church,  Riverdale,  New  York. 
Author  of  numerous  sermons  and  addresses,  and  editor  and 
translator  of  several  volumes.  He  died  at  Riverdale,  N.  Y., 
June  3,  1898.  She  died  at  Riverdale,  Dec.  11,  1901. 

Children  : 

322.  Grace  Howard,  b.  Mar.  6,  1848;  m.  June  7,  1877,  Thomas 

Butler  Meeker.  3 children. 

323.  Alice  Hoavard,  b.  Mar.  3,  1852;  unm. 

324.  Clarence  Howard,  b.  Jan.  15,  1856;  m.  Oct.  13,  1888,  Flo- 

rence, daughter  of  J.  Hobart  Herrick  of  New  York  City. 

268  Solomon  Wildes  born  in  Ipswich,  Feb.  16, 1825, 

married,  first,  Ellen  Althea , who  died  at  Chelsea, 

June  12,  1849,  aged  26  years,  9 mos.  He  married,  second, 

, and,  third,  Anna  W.  Harding  of  Bath,  Me.  He 

died  in  Boston,  Feb.  22,  1895. 

Children  : 

325.  Lucy  Ellen,  b.  Oct.  17,  1848,  at  Ipswich;  d.  Sept.  22,  1849, 

at  Chelsea. 

326.  Fred  A. 

327.  Henry. 

328.  Frank. 

329.  Lucy  Ellen. 

330.  Alice. 

331.  Frank  H.,  b.  Oct.,  1867,  at  Newton ville;  d.  Dec.  6,  1868,  at 

Boston. 

274  Eugene  Lamont  Wildes  born  in  Ipswich,  Oct. 
29,  1845,  married  Dec.  8,  1868,  Alathea  Orietta,  daughter 
of  Josiah  B.  and  Angelina  Lamson.  Farmer;  lives  in 
Topsfield. 

Children : 

332.  Elton  Euoene,  b.  Nov.  8,  1869,  in  Ipswich;  m.  Oct.  23,  1901, 

Carrie  Baker  Kimball  of  Ipswich.  Child:  Priscilla,  b.  in 

Malden,  Aug.  9,  1905. 


76 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


333.  Florence  Lamson,  b.  Dec.  15,  1872,  in  Topsfield;  m.  Jan.  20, 

1898,  Samuel  McL.  Hill  of  Wenliam.  Children  born  in  Wen- 
liam:  Marjorie  Alathea,  b.  Oct.  4,  1898;  Louise  Huntington, 
b.  Feb.  15,  1904. 

334.  Mildred  Fern,  b.  Dec.  8,  1890,  in  Topsfield. 

286  Lewis  Humphrey  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield, 
July  10,  1842  ; married,  May  11, 1864,  Anna  Jane,  daugh- 
ter of  Amos  S.  and  Eliza  A.  (Perkins)  Chapman.  Shoe- 
maker. Lives  in  Topsfield. 

Children,  born  in  Topsfield  : 

335.  George  Walter,  b.  Sept.  27,  1865;  m.  Mary  Mayon  of  Bos- 

ton. Children:  Walter  Proctor,  George  W.  (d.  July  15,  1896); 
George  Raymond;  Nellie  Frances  (died);  Lewis  Timothy 
(d.  Sept.  1,  1893);  Florence  May;  Leo. 

336.  Elmer  Perkins,  b.  Jan.  22,  1867; m.  Thirza  Davis;  Children: 

Ruth  Haskell;  Muriel  May. 

337.  Lennie  May,  b.  Aug.  3,  1869;  m.  April  7,  1889,  Everett  C. 

Chapman  of  Wenliam. 

338.  Lyman  Wilbur,  b.  May  4,  1874;  m.  Dec.  24,  1895,  Mary  R., 

daughter  of  Frank  and  Sophie  E.  (Ernst)  Crouse  of  Lower 
Branch,  N.  S.  Children:  Wilbur  Leighton,  b.  July  13,  1896; 
Ralph  Winthrop,  b.  Nov.  25,  1899. 

287  William  Herbert  Wildes  born  Oct.  18,  1848, 
married  Nov.  5,  1865,  Eunice  Helen,  daughter  of  Jason 
and  Emily  A.  Richardson  of  Middleton.  Shoemaker.  Lives 
in  Topsfield. 

Children  : 

339.  Hazen  Rogers,  b.  May  29,  1866;  m.  Oct.  27,  1897,  Mary  E., 

daughter  of  James  and  Hannah  (Carroll)  Dieckhoff.  Car- 
penter. Lives  in  Topsfield.  Child:  James  William,  b. 
April  20, 1898. 

340.  Mabel  Olive,  b.  June  23,  1879;  m.  Sept.  24,  1895,  James 

Munroe  Bray  of  Topsfield;  d.  Jan.  3,  1896. 

292  George  Alvin  Wildes  born  in  Topsfield,  Oct.  10, 
1854,  married  June  1,  1882,  Lottie  Perley,  daughter  of 
Isaac  and  Charlotte  (Burleigh)  Frye,  of  Andover.  Shoe- 
maker. Lives  in  Beverly. 

Children  : 

341.  George  Ernest,  b.  July  8,  1883,  in  Topsfield. 

342.  Fanny  Ellen,  b,  Jan.  16,  1885,  in  Topsfield;  m.  June  22, 

1905,  William  H.  Workman  of  Beverly. 


THE  WILDES  FAMILY  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY. 


77 


343.  Susie  Frye,  b.  Aug.  9,  1887,  in  Topsfield. 

344.  Raymond  Perkins,  b.  Aug.  6,  1889,  in  Topsfield. 

345.  Frederick,  b.  June  6,  1891,  in  Beverly. 

346.  Percival,  b.  Sept.  25,  1895,  in  Beverly. 

293  Frank  Waldo  Wildes  born  in  Boston,  Oct.  17, 
1843,  married,  first,  April  22,  1869,  Helen  Delia,  daughter 
of  Maurice  and  Delia  A.  (Sistare)  Hilger  of  New  York 
City.  She  died  Nov.  10,  1885,  and  he  married,  second, 
Dec.  11,  1886,  Mrs.  Frances  Elizabeth  (Hilger)  Ball,  sis- 
ter of  his  first  wife.  Harvard,  1864.  Resides  in  Boston. 

Children,  born  in  Boston  : Maurice  Hilger,  Harvard, 
1891  ; Frederick,  Harvard,  1894  ; Robert  Waldo  ; Frances 
Elizabeth  ; Theodore  Bradstreet. 

319  Edward  Bradstreet  Wildes  born  in  Ipswich, 
Aug.  7,  1846;  married  May  21,  1870,  Harriet  M.,  daugh- 
ter of  Willard  B.  and  Harriet  (Manning)  Kinsman  of 
Ipswich.  He  died  Jan.  31,  1899,  at  Ipswich. 

Children  : 

347.  Anna  (Annie  K.),  b.  April  21,  1873;  d.  Nov.  25,  1878. 

348.  Henry  Hammatt  (twin),  b.  Aug.  29,  1876;  d.  Nov.  9,  1896. 

349.  Wilhelmina  (twin),  b.  Aug.  29,  1876. 

350.  Madeline,  b.  Jan.  18,  1882. 


LETTER  FROM  DR.  NEHEMIAH  CLEAYELAND 
TO  COL.  TIMOTHY  PICKERING. 


Topsfield,  16th  Jan.,  1815. 

Dear  Sir: — Your  very  interesting  favour  of  the  2d  of 
Novr  and  the  receipt  for  Mr.  Cummings  was  duly  received 
and  I have  also  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  the  packets 
you  sent  me  containing  the  dispatches  from  our  Ministers 
at  Ghent,  for  all  which  please  to  accept  my  best  thanks. 
Your  pertinent  remarks  on  the  various  subjects  in  your 
letter  were  very  instructive.  I perfectly  coincide  in  your 
view  of  the  conscription  plans  which  have  been  before  Con- 
gress, all  of  which  seem  now  to  be  abandoned ; it  is  very 
certain  in  my  mind,  that  conscription  in  its  mildest  form 
could  not  be  carried  into  full  operation  in  New  England  and 


78  LETTER  FROM  DR.  NEHEMIAH  CLEVELAND. 

I have  no  doubt  your  Troupe,  Eppes,  and  Gileses  are  of 
the  same  opinion  by  this  time.  As  to  the  national  treasury, 
it  seems  very  clear,  that  the  present  administration  cannot 
replenish  it,  nothing  can  be  more  evident  than  that  notes, 
without  an  ability,  in  those  who  promise  to  pay  must  de- 
preciate, nor  is  it  easy  to  see  in  what  manner  the  bank, 
sh’d  it  be  establised  as  it  has  recently  passed  the  House 
of  Repvs  (and  which  is  incomparably  preferable  to  any 
former  project),  can  aid  the  Government  very  considerably 
at  present.  Congress  have  granted  a heavy  load  of  taxes, 
but  I think  it  is  not  hazarding  much  to  predict  that  these 
taxes  will  not  be  paid  very  promptly,  especially  the  six 
millions  direct  tax,  even  sh'd  the  State  Legislatures  fail 
to  interpose  a general  opinion  with  the  farmers  in  that 
it  will  not  do  to  pay  any  more  money  to  the  Gen11  Govern1 
to  be  squander’d.  How  much  longer  are  we  to  suffer  such 
a state  of  things  as  now  exists?  Is  there  any  prospect  of 
doing  any  better?  What  is  is  said  at  Washington  either 
by  the  friends  or  the  enemies  of  New  England,  respecting 
the  doings  of  the  Hartford  Convention?  It  would  be 
very  interesting  to  me  to  have  some  of  your  thoughts  upon 
the  subject.  That  is,  what  N.  England  can  do,  what  they 
ought  to  do  and  what  they  must  do  to  save  themselves  from 
irremediable  ruin. 

I have  been  detained  from  going  to  Salem  since  I re- 
ceived your  letter  by  indisposition.  I hope  to  go  soon 
when  I will  pay  your  Son  the  money  you  paid  for  Mr. 
Cummings. 

I am,  with  high  esteem,  your  very  humble  servant 

N.  Cleaveland. 

Timothy  Pickering  MSS.,  Vol.  30,  p.  360 , Mass.  Hist. 

Society. 


ESSEX  REGISTRY  OF  DEEDS  AT  TOPSFIELD. 


To  Colo.  Pickering  (Registor  of  deeds  for  the  County 
of  Essex) — Sir,  The  Committee  for  said  County,  have 
taken  in  to  Consideration  the  propriety  of  holding  your 
office  in  the  Town  of  Salem  agreable  to  a Resolve  of  the 
provincial  Congress,  and  have  thought  best  that  said  office 


ESSEX  REGISTRY  OF  DEEDS  AT  TOPSFIELD.  79 


should  be  removed  into  the  Town  of  Topsfield  untill  fur- 
ther Order.  It  is  likely  you  may  be  Accommodated  at  the 
House  of  Mr  Elijah  Porters,  or  at  any  other  House  in  sd 
Topsfield  that  you  shall  think  more  proper.  And  we 
would  informe  you  that  the  return  of  the  Committee  of 
Correspondence  for  Salem  doth  not  mention  how  much 
money  is  still  due  from  the  town  of  Salem,  to  the  Province. 
Therefore  we  desire  sd  Committee  to  informe  some  one  of 
the  County  Committee  respecting  the  Same,  as  soon  as 
may  be.  Signd  in  the  name  & by  Order  of  said  Com- 
mittee. 

Ipswich,  May  24th,  1775,  Sam.  Hoi  ten  junr 
Timothy  Pickering  MSS.,  Vol.  39 , p.  llJf,  Mass.  Mist. 

Society. 


LETTER  OF  REV.  JEREMIAH  HOBART  TO 
REV.  INCREASE  MATHER. 


To  the  Reverend  Mr  Encreas  Mather  Minister  in  Bos- 
ton. These  prsent,  pr  amicu  Q.  D.  C. 

Reuerend  Sr — After  due  salutations  to  yorselfe  & wife, 
wisheing  you  acum illation  of  divine  blessings,  & all  other 
prosperousness  in  health  & weal  of  body,  etc. 

These  are  to  prsent  my  owne  & wife’s  hearty  respects 
to  yourself  & all  your’s,  withall  intimating,  that  not  any 
want  of  loue  & goodwill  hath  stopped  my  pen  since  I saw 
your  face,  from  aduising  you  in  this  kind  ; but  Sr  I con- 
sul1 my  owne  tenuity  & inconsiderableness  amongst  men 
in  riseing  times,  haue  been  the  rather  willing  to  submitt  to 
a poor  low  degree,  & bear  divine  indignation  therein. 

Sr  I am  glad  to  hear  of  your  prosperity,  & that  God 
carryes  you  on  in  His  great  work,  & that  you  have  vacancy 
to  read,  study,  write,  not  impeded  by  the  vrgent  & emer- 
gent necessary  cares  of  providing  for  your  family. 

It  is  not  so  with  us.  We  labor  & study  what  we  may, 
but  our  encouragement  is  small.  God  is  trying  & exer- 
ciseing  us  with  laxness  in  all  orders  civille.  We  had  good 
agree mts,  & some  good  lawes,  but  our  Don  : appearing 
omnia  in  possum  iere  ; & our  justices  of  the  peace  & undr 
officers  sunt  ejusdem  farinae. 


80 


LETTER  OF  REV.  JEREMIAH  HOBART. 


Worthy  Sr  I write  not  to  complayne,  but  as  I haue  a 
Sympathy  as  to  your  mutations,  so  hope  you  are  not  with- 
out bowells  as  to  ours.  The  truth  is,  its  a day  of  Jacob’s 
fears  & troubles.  The  passio[n]s  of  the  Gospell  are  great, 
the  Churches  billows  high,  our  fears  are  come  upon  us,  & 
it  is  the  howre  of  tentation.  God  Allmighty  grant  we  may 
keep,  & that  N.  E.  may  keep  the  word  of  hir  patience, 
that  will  proue  our  safest  conduct. 

Dear  Sr  I hope  you  will  accept  my  short  and  poor  lines, 
haueing  by  reason  of  the  shortness  of  the  opportunity  no 
leisure  to  study  adornement.  I haue  a child  (my  son  & 
all  the  sons  I haue),  in  Boston ; I should  rejoyce  you 
would  show  him  some  respect,  & giue  him  counsell.  Hee 
is  now  a freeman.  I pray  God  he  may  be  the  Lord’s  free- 
man. I hear  well  of  him,  & hope  you  may  take  an  occa- 
sion in  loue  to  aduise  him. 

Sir,  here  is  a young  man,  one  Elkana  Pembrook,  the 
bearer  hereof,  a persecuted  Stranger  who  I veryly  hope  is 
godly,  & respected  much  by  Christians  both  here  and  at 
Huntington.  You  may  do  well  to  show  respect  to  him. 
He  is  by  trad  a weauer,  & is  willing  to  labr  & work.  I 
hope  you  may  kindly  aduise  him. 

Thus,  Reverend  Sr  craueing  excuse  for  my  impertinencys 
in  anything  mentioned,  & begging  earnestly  your  remem- 
brances at  the  throne  of  grace,  for  me  & mine,  for  diuine 
blessings  in  Christ  Jesus.  I comend  you  to  God  & the 
word  of  His  grace,  praying  the  Lord  to  blesse  & water  all 
your  holy  Labours,  to  the  glory  of  His  name,  & the  good 
of  His  church,  & your  good  account.  I take  leaue,  euer 
remaineing, 

Sir.  Your's  in  the  Chief  Shepheard, 

Jer:  Hobart.* 

Hempstd,  Long-Island,  Aug.  23,  1686. 

I pray  Sr,  let  my  most  kind  loue  be  giuen  to  your  good 
Son,  my  Couzin  Cotton  Mather,  Bens  benedicat  ei. 

From  The  Mather  Papers.  Mass.  Hist.  Colls. , 4th  series , 
Vol.  VIII ; p.  661. 

*Rev.  Jeremiah  Hobart  (H.  C.  1650),  son  of  Rev.  Peter  Hobart,  of  Hingliam, 
was  first  ordained  at  Topsfield,  Oct.  2,  1672;  dismissed  in  1680,  he  went  to  Hemp- 
stead, L.  I.,  was  settled  there  in  1682;  and  again  dismissed,  went  to  Haddam,  and 
was  installed  Nov.  14, 1700.  Savage’s  Geneal.  Diet. 


LOCALITIES  AND  PLACE  NAMES  IN  TOPSFIELD. 


BY  J.  PORTER  GOULD. 


Abram’s  Island.  On  either  side  of  the  railroad  track  and 
about  equidistant  between  Summer  street  and  the  Turnpike, 
until  about  1890,  stood  a fine  grove  of  hardwood  trees.  The 
land  at  an  earlier  date  belonged  to  Abram  Balch.  The 
grove,  nearly  circular  in  form,  stood  on  ground  bounded  on 
two  sides  by  brooks  and  the  familiar  name  no  doubt  origina- 
ted from  the  location,  the  shape  of  the  grove,  and  the  name 
of  the  former  owner.  Similar  clumps  of  trees  are  often-times 
called  islands.  About  forty  years  ago  a train  of  cars  was 
stalled  here  for  three  days,  in  snow  banks  that  reached  to  the 
roofs  of  the  cars. 

Academy  Hill.  The  small  elevation  between  Main 
street  and  High  Street  on  which  the  Topsfield  Academy 
building,  now  Centre  School  House,  was  erected  in  1828. 

Agricultural  Farm.  The  farm  at  the  junction  of  Main 
street  and  Boston  street.  In  1857  it  was  bequeathed  by  Dr. 
John  H.  Treadwell  of  Salem  to  the  Essex  Agricultural  So- 
ciety to  be  used  as  a farm  at  which  experiments  in  agricul- 
ture should  be  conducted. 

Alarm  Post  Hill.  The  first  elevation  on  the  left  after 
leaving  Perkins  street  in  passing  to  the  Bickford  sawmill 
site.  This  spot  was  used  as  a rendezvous  in  1774  by  Capt. 
Thomas  Perkins’  company  of  minutemen. 

(so 


82  LOCALITIES  AND  PLACE 

Annie’s  Pond.  Near  the  corner  of  Central  and  Summer 
streets  were  two  small  ponds.  The  name  originated  in  their 
ownership  by  Annie  Perkins,  an  elderly  maiden  lady  who 
lived  in  the  house  now  owned  by  Mrs.  Ephraim  Peabody. 

Ann’s  Hill.  The  hill  above  Israel’s  hill,  on  Hill  street, 
so  named  because  near  it  lived  “Ann”  Wallis,  a local  “char- 
acter” who  died  in  1793. 

ASBURY  Street,  begins  at  Ipswich  street  and  ends  at  the 
Hamilton  line.  It  leads  to  the  Asbury  Grove  Camp  Ground, 
hence  its  name. 

Avery’S  Island.  An  old-time  corruption  of  the  name 
Averill,  a family  that  owned  most  of  the  land  for  over  two 
hundred  years.  It  contains  about  78  acres  and  is  located  in 
the  northeasterly  part  of  the  town  a little  below  the  Has- 
socky  meadows.  The  Ipswich  river  and  low  meadows  en- 
tirely surround  it. 

Baker’s  Hill.  The  small  descent  on  Ipswich  street 
about  600  feet  east  of  Pine  street,  taking  its  name  from  the 
farm  at  the  left  which  was  in  the  possession  of  the  Baker 
family  before  1715. 

Baker’s  Pond.  An  early  name  for  Hood’s  Pond.  Ap- 
plied before  1662. 

Bare  Hill.  Westerly  from  Haverhill  street  having  an  ele- 
vation of  140  feet.  The  Pine  Grove  Cemetery  is  laid  out  on 
its  southern  slope.  The  name  “Bare  hill”  was  applied  as 
early  as  1661. 

Billingsgate  Hill.  This  name  was  applied  to  what  is 
now  known  as  Price’s  hill,  as  early  as  1674. 

Birch  Island.  Rising  land  south  of  Perkins  street, 
bordering  on  the  river,  at  the  southeasterly  end  of  the  Bunk- 
er meadows,  and  formerly  owned  by  Dudley  Q.  Perkins.  Al- 
so known  as  Barn  island. 

Bird  Swamp.  The  swamp  beside  Ipswich  street  and  east 
of  North  street,  a short  distance  from  the  house  of  Fred 
Smerage.  A favorite  resort  for  many  kinds  of  birds. 


NAMES  IN  TOPSFIELD. 


83 


Bixby’s  CORNER.  The  corner  where  Rowley  street  leaves 
Haverhill  street  and  deriving  its  name  from  the  Bixby  family 
which  lived  a quarter  of  a mile  away  on  Rowley  street,  on  the 
farm  long  in  the  possession  of  the  Dorman  family  and  now 
(1905)  owned  by  Connolly  Brothers. 

Blind  Hole.  A name  applied  before  Oct.  14,  1651  to 
the  territory  extending  from  what  is  now  the  Peterson  farm 
in  the  southern  part  of  the  Town,  to  Putnamville  in  Danvers. 
Cleaveland  in  his  Bicentennial  Address  states  that  this  origin- 
ated in  the  dense  growth  of  trees  which  shrouded  the  early 
way  leading  through  this  territory. 

Bonney’s  Featherbed.  The  locality  on  the  easterly  side 
of  Perkins  street  lying  east  of  Mile  Brook  bridge.  The  name 
appears  in  a deed  dated  June  7,  1711  and  is  said  to  have 
originated  in  the  incident  of  an  ox  named  “Bonney”  or 
“Boney,”  which  was  accustomed  to  select  a rocky  place  in 
this  locality,  as  a desirable  spot  on  which  to  lie  down.  An- 
other story  relates  that  a traveller  named  Bonny  once  slept 
here  with  a stone  for  a pillow,  having  only  a feather  and  im- 
agination with  which  to  soften  its  hardness. 

Boston  Street,  the  Boston  and  Newburyport  Turnpike, 
extends  from  the  Danvers  line  to  the  Ipswich  line. 

Boxford  Street,  begins  at  Washington  street  and  ends 
at  the  Boxford  line. 

Bunker  Meadows.  The  meadows  lying  on  both  sides 
of  the  Ipswich  river,  easterly  from  the  Dudley  Q.  Perkins 
farm,  now  owned  by  Thomas  E.  Proctor.  The  name  origin- 
ated in  an  early  ownership  by  George  Bunker  who  settled  in 
Topsfield  and  was  drowned  in  1658. 

Burnham’s  Hill.  Located  between  Hood’s  pond  and 
North  street.  The  Topsfield-Ipswich  boundary  line  passes 
over  this  hill. 

Bushy  Hill.  The  hill  lying  west  from  the  junction  of 
Perkins  street  and  Ridge  street.  The  name  appears  in  deeds 
as  early  as  June,  1663. 


84 


LOCALITIES  AND  PLACE 


Capen  HOUSE.  The  time-weathered  dwelling  house  with 
overhanging  second  story  which  stands  near  the  easterly  corn- 
er of  the  Common,  was  erected  about  1686  for  the  Rev. 
Joseph  Capen  and  from  him  takes  its  name. 

CAT  ISLAND.  A grove  of  trees  on  rising  ground  east  of 
Salem  street  between  the  Dwinell  and  Putnam  farms.  A 
wild  cat  is  said  to  have  been  killed  at  this  spot,  hence  the 
origin  of  the  name. 

Central  Street,  formerly  Mutton  lane,  and  later  Me- 
chanic’s court,  begins  at  Main  street  and  ends  at  the  junc- 
tion of  High  street  and  Perkins  street.  The  name  probably 
originated  from  the  location  of  the  street  about  half  way  be- 
tween Main  street  and  High  street,  both  principal  thorough- 
fares. 

The  City.  The  cluster  of  houses  on  Ipswich  street  near 
where  it  crosses  Howlett’s  brook.  Before  the  Revolution 
nearly  all  the  houses  in  this  locality  were  owned  and  occu- 
pied by  members  of  the  Hobbs  family  and  the  hamlet  grew 
to  be  known  as  “Hobbs’  City.”  In  time,  all  of  the  Hobbs 
name  died  or  removed  and  the  word  “City”  alone  has  been 
retained. 

See  Topsfield  Historical  Collections,  Vol.  Ill,  p.  165. 

CLAY  Pits.  In  early  times  clay  pits  were  dug  in  various 
parts  of  the  town.  They  are  mentioned  in  1709  as  existing 
near  the  Wenham  Causeway. 

COLD  Spring.  Located  in  low  ground  about  800  feet 
northeasterly  from  Mile  Brook  bridge  and  about  300  feet 
from  the  bed  of  Mile  brook.  In  1850  the  Spring  was  about 
25  feet  in  diameter.  The  water  is  very  cold.  Mentioned  in 
a deed  dated  June  7,  1711,  and  also  at  later  dates. 

COLERAIN.  The  level  area  in  the  northerly  part  of  the 
town  lying  west  of  the  B.  & M.  R.  R.  tracks  and  south  of 
the  land  of  the  late  Arthur  W.  Phillips.  No  sufficient  evi- 
dence has  as  yet  been  discovered  showing  the  origin  of  this 
name  which  appears  as  early  as  1797  in  a deed  of  Simon 
Gould  covering  land  in  this  locality. 


NAMES  IN  TOPSFIELD. 


35 


The  Colleges.  The  locality  lying  easterly  of  the 
Bonney’s  Feather- bed  road,  now  known  as  Perkins  street,  and 
for  over  two  centuries  owned  by  the  Averill  family,  but  now 
in  the  possession  of  Thomas  E.  Proctor.  The  name  is  said  to 
have  originated  from  the  circumstance  that  the  several  mem- 
bers of  the  Averill  family,  who  had  houses  in  this  locality, 
were  among  the  more  intelligent  people  of  the  town, — prom- 
inent in  town  affairs,  cabinet  makers  and  owners  of  a saw- 
mill, and  above  all,  subscribers  to  one  of  the  three  news- 
papers received  in  Topsfield. 

See  Topsfield  Historical  Collections,  Vol.  II,  p.  84;  Vol.  VIII,  p.  49. 

The  COMMON.  An  area  containing  about  7 acres,  lying 
on  either  side  of  Main  street,  and  upon  which  stands  the 
Town  Hall  and  the  Congregational  Church.  The  Methodist 
Church  faces  the  Common  at  its  easterly  corner.  This  area 
has  remained  common  or  undivided  land  since  the  settlement 
of  the  town.  In  former  times  it  was  used  as  a training  field, 
but  latterly  it  has  been  devoted  to  public  sports  and  recently 
efforts  have  been  made  to  improve  its  appearance  along  park 
lines. 

Copper  Mine  Lot.  The  lot  at  the  corner  of  Rowley 
Bridge  street  and  Copper  Mine  road,  taking  its  name  from 
the  supposed  copper  mine  opened  here  as  early  as  1650  by 
Governor  John  Endecott.  The  pit  may  yet  be  seen. 

See  Topsfield  Historical  Collections,  Vol.  1 1,  p.  73. 

Copper  Mine  Road,  begins  at  Rowley  Bridge  street  and 
ends  at  the  Middleton  line. 

Cow  Pen  Brook.  The  small  brook  that  flows  under  Per- 
kins street  near  the  road  leading  to  the  late  residence  of 
Dudley  Q.  Bradstreet,  now  owned  by  Thomas  E.  Proctor. 
The  name  was  in  use  as  early  as  1694. 

Cross  Street,  extends  from  Rowley  Bridge  street  to  Hill 
street. 

Donation  Farm.  The  farm  now  owned  by  J.  Morris 
Meredith.  The  name  originated  in  the  bequest  of  the  prop- 
erty to  the  town  in  1825,  by  Deacon  George  Bixby,  the 
income  to  be  used  for  the  support  of  preaching  the  Calvinis- 


86 


LOCALITIES  AND  PLACE 


tic  doctrines  and  the  farm  to  be  known  as  “The  donation 
farm  for  the  support  of  the  gospel.” 

Dry  BRIDGE.  There  are  two  dry  bridges  in  town.  One, 
where  Howlett  street  passes  under  the  Newburyport  and 
Boston  turnpike;  the  other,  where  West  street  (“the  ridge 
road”)  passes  under  the  railroad  track.  The  name  is  more 
generally  applied  to  the  first.  The  bridge  was  built  in  1804 
when  the  turnpike  was  constructed.  A steep  descent  fur- 
nishes passage,  from  the  turnpike  to  Howlett  street  so  that  a 
carriage  may  be  driven  over  the  bridge  and  then  under. 

East  End.  A name  formerly  applied  to  the  locality  east 
of  the  Turnpike  and  lying  between  the  Colleges  and  what  is 
now  High  street. 

East  Street,  begins  at  Ipswich  street  and  ends  at  the 
Ipswich  line. 

Falls  Bridge.  This  name  was  applied  in  1714  to  the 
bridge  over  Mile  brook  near  the  entrance  to  what  is  now  the 
I.  B.  Young  house  on  North  street.  Of  late  years  it  has  been 
called  Symonds’  bridge. 

Fish  Brook.  Flows  into  the  Ipswich  river  and  is  a 
boundary  line  between  Topsfield  and  Boxford.  Called  “Fish- 
ing brook,”  as  early  as  1652. 

Fort  Field.  The  field  on  the  top  of  the  hill  behind  the 
George  F.  Averell  house  on  the  westerly  side  of  Hill  street  has 
long  been  locally  known  as  “the  fort  field.”  In  1894  Mr. 
Averell  found,  some  eighteen  inches  below  the  surface,  in  a 
corner  of  this  field,  a fine  spring  of  water  surrounded  by  a re- 
taining wall  of  stone  work.  In  the  centre  of  the  field  he  re- 
moved four  large  flat  stones  located  in  the  form  of  a square 
which  suggested  a foundation  for  some  former  structure. 

Fort,  Old.  According  to  tradition  repeated  by  Enos 
Estey  in  1845  and  also  shown  on  a plan  of  the  Agricultural 
Farm  drawn  by  Samuel  S.  McKenzie  in  1858,  a fort  for  pro- 
tection against  the  Indians,  formerly  stood  in  the  Agricultur- 
al Farm  field  east  of  the  pine  grove  beside  the  Turnpike  and 
near  the  brook. 


NAMES  IN  TOPSFIELD. 


87 


Fox  ISLAND.  A small  elevation  covered  with  trees,  in 
the  meadow  beside  the  Ipswich  river,  lying  nearly  in  a 
range  between  the  end  of  the  glacial  ridge  or  esker  near  the 
Bradstreet-Proctor  house,  and  the  ford  across  the  river  near 
Vineyard  hill,  Hamilton.  So  named  as  early  as  1725. 

Frank’s  Lane.  The  narrow  way  leading  from  Main  street 
to  the  Lower  Cemetery  and  across  the  Turnpike  to  Central 
street.  For  nearly  half  its  length  it  has  a fine  row  of  maple 
trees  on  either  side  from  which  its  present  name,  Maple 
street,  is  derived.  This  way  was  laid  out  before  Oct.  26, 
1699. 

Gallup’S  Brook.  The  outlet  for  Lowe’s  pond,  Boxford, 
and  Hood’s  pond,  Topsfield.  As  early  as  1650  it  was  known 
as  Pye  brook,  a name  that  is  yet  applied  in  Boxford.  The 
name  “Gallup’s  brook”  has  only  been  in  use  during  the  past 
seventy-five  years  and  originated  from  the  Gallup  family  who 
formerly  lived  near  the  bridge  across  the  brook  on  Haver- 
hill street.  Near  the  Frank  C.  Frame  house,  the  brook  di- 
vides into  two  parts — Mile  brook  and  Howlett’s  brook — both 
flowing  into  the  Ipswich  river. 

GARDEN  Street,  connects  Hill  street  and  Boston  street. 
The  name  originated  from  the  fact  that  the  street  was  laid 
out  through  the  garden  of  Benjamin  W.  Crowninshield. 

GRASS  Hill.  The  very  steep  hill  on  Wenham  street  hav- 
ing an  elevation  of  200  feet.  The  roadway  as  it  ascended 
this  hill  formerly  was  overgrown  with  grass  no  doubt  due  to 
the  fact  that  this  road  was  but  little  travelled,  although  the 
way  was  laid  out  and  in  use  before  1658,  it  being  the  direct 
road  to  Wenham  passing  over  “the  Causeway.” 

GRAVELLY  Brook.  The  brook  which  for  a short  distance 
forms  the  eastern  boundary  between  Topsfield  and  Ipswich. 
In  early  days  it  was  known  as  Winthrop’s  brook. 

GREAT  Hill.  The  hill  east  of  the  village,  having  an  ele- 
vation of  240  feet,  and  so  called  before  1671. 

Hardscrabble.  The  locality  about  the  junction  of  Ips- 
wich street  and  the  Newburyport  and  Boston  turnpike.  It 


88 


LOCALITIES  AND  PLACE 


is  now  more  generally  known  as  “Springville.”  The  name 
“Hardscrabble”  is  said  to  have  originated  with  Capt.  John 
Adams,  who  when  calling  at  the  small  shoe  shops  formerly 
located  near  each  house,  would  joke  with  the  workmen  and 
remark  that  they  were  “scrabbling  hard  to  make  a living.” 
The  phrase  was  habitual  and  soon  became  a byword  ap- 
plied to  the  neighborhood. 

The  HARTLANDS.  The  meadowy  ground  on  the  south 
side  of  the  river  about  half-way  between  the  stone  bridge, 
and  Towne’s  bridge,  takes  its  name  from  a former  owner,  the 
Rev.  Daniel  Breck,  pastor  of  the  Topsfield  church,  who  re- 
moved to  Hartland,  Vermont,  in  1788. 

HASSOCKY  MEADOW.  A river  meadow  comprising  about 
75  acres  lying  east  of  “the  Colleges”  and  now  owned  by 
Thomas  E.  Proctor.  The  name  is  derived  from  the  hassocky 
bunches  of  grass  with  which  the  meadow  is  covered,  and  was 
applied  before  1647.  Until  recently  this  meadow  was  mowed 
for  its  hay. 

Haverhill  Street,  begins  at  the  junction  of  Main  and 
Ipswich  streets  and  ends  at  the  Boxford  line.  It  is  the  road 
to  Haverhill. 

High  Banks.  A name  recently  applied  to  the  left  bank 
of  the  Ipswich  river  just  below  the  “Stone  Bridge,”  long  re- 
sorted to  as  a bathing  place. 

High  Street,  begins  at  the  junction  of  Main  and  Wash- 
ington streets  and  ends  at  the  Wenham  line. 

Hill  Street,  connects  Salem  street  and  Rowley  Bridge 
street.  A very  hilly  street. 

Hood’s  Pond.  The  pond  located  about  miles  north  of 
the  village.  It  has  an  area  of  68  acres  and  takes  its  present 
name  from  the  family  of  Hood,  who  have  lived  at  its  northern 
extremity  for  nearly  two  centuries.  At  earlier  times  it  has 
been  known  as  Pritchett’s  pond,  and  Baker’s  pond. 

Horse  Island.  Low  ground  on  the  south  side  of  the 
Ipswich  river  nearly  opposite  the  house  of  the  late  Albert 
Webster. 


NAMES  IN  TOPSFIELD. 


89 


Hovey’s  Plain.  A somewhat  sandy  plain  on  Haverhill 
street  beyond  Gallup’s  brook.  In  the  open  field  towards  the 
west  may  have  been  seen  the  cellar  of  the  Hovey  house  from 
which  family  the  plain  derives  its  name.  In  early  times 
it  was  known  as  Pine  plain. 

HOWLETT  STREET,  “the  old  road,”  begins  at  “the  Com- 
mon” and  ends  at  Perkins  street.  It  takes  its  name  from 
Samuel  Ilowlett,  the  early  blacksmith,  who  lived  by  this 
road. 

HOWLETT’S  BROOK.  That  portion  of  Gallup’s  brook  (or 
Pye  brook),  which  divides  near  the  Frank  C.  Frame  house 
and  flows  easterly  to  Donaldson’s  grist-mill  and  the  Ipswich 
river.  Named  for  the  Howlett  family  which  long  owned  the 
grist-mill. 

IPSWICH  River.  Rises  in  Burlington,  Mass.,  and  flows  in- 
to Ipswich  Bay,  in  its  course  dividing  the  town  of  Topsfield 
into  two  parts  and  also  serving  as  a boundary  line.  In  the 
earliest  times  it  was  known  as  “the  river  Agawam.” 

Ipswich  Street,  begins  at  the  junction  of  Main  and 
Haverhill  streets  and  ends  at  the  Ipswich  line. 

ISRAEL’S  Hill.  The  first  hill  on  Hill  street  beyond  the 
Salem  street  corner.  It  was  named  for  Israel  Towne  who 
lived  in  the  vicinity.  The  ascents  of  the  hill  are  respectively 
called  the  “upper  Israel”  and  the  “lower  Israel.” 

Klondike.  A name  applied  at  the  time  of  the  Klondike 
gold  fever  to  the  newly  filled  and  graded  land  owned  by  Otto 
E.  Lake,  on  Washington  street  opposite  Grove  street.  At 
one  time  used  as  a public  dump. 

Lake  Village.  The  locality  about  the  junction  of  Pros- 
pect street  and  River  street.  Henry  Lake,  weaver,  built  his 
house  here  about  1675  and  his  descendants  have  lived  in  the 
vicinity  until  the  present  day. 

Lamson’s  Bridge.  The  bridge  over  the  Ipswich  river, 
crossed  by  Asbury  street  and  taking  its  name  from  the  Lam- 
son  family  who  lived  nearby  for  over  250  years. 


90 


LOCALITIES  AND  PLACE 


Lang’S  Hill.  The  hill  now  known  as  Price’s  hill  and  at  an 
early  date  as  “Billingsgate,”  became  known  after  1850,  as 
Lang’s  hill,  deriving  its  name  from  Charles  Lang  who  lived  in 
a house  that  formerly  stood  about  half-way  up  the  hill  be- 
yond the  Andrew  Gould  house. 

LONG  Lane.  That  portion  of  Washington  street  situa- 
ted between  Mill  street  and  River  street,  formerly  was  a nar- 
row, straight  way,  and  before  it  was  widened  was  locally 
known  as  Long  lane. 

Lower  or  Boston  Street  Cemetery.  Situated  on  the 
Turnpike,  now  Boston  street,  having  Maple  street  on  the 
south.  It  was  purchased  by  the  Town  for  burial  purposes 
in  1828. 

See  Topsfield  Historical  Collections,  Vol.  VII,  p.  107. 

MAIN  Street,  begins  at  the  junction  of  Ipswich  and 
Haverhill  streets  and  ends  at  Boston  street.  That  portion 
between  the  railroad  track  and  Boston  street  is  sometimes 
called  South  Main  street. 

MAPLE  STREET,  connects  Main  street  and  Central  street. 
The  rows  of  maple  trees  on  either  side  suggested  the  name 
Formerly  it  was  known  as  Frank’s  lane. 

Mechanic’s  Court.  A name  formerly  applied  to  Cen- 
tral street  when  it  was  only  a narrow  lane  terminating  at  what 
is  now  Summer  street. 

Meeting-House  Lane.  The  narrow  way  connecting  How- 
lett  street  with  Perkins  street.  The  earliest  meeting-house  is 
said  to  have  stood  beside  this  way,  which  formerly  was  a part 
of  “the  old  road.” 

MILE  Brook.  That  portion  of  Gallup’s  brook  (or  Pye 
brook),  which  divides  near  the  Frank  C.  Frame  house  and 
flows  south-easterly  to  the  Peabody  grist  mill  and  the  Ipswich 
river.  The  name  is  derived  from  the  fact  that  the  distance 
is  about  a mile  from  the  division  in  the  brook  to  its  junction 
with  the  river  and  was  in  use  before  1653. 

Mill  Street,  begins  at  Washington  street  and  ends  at 
the  Boxford  line.  It  formerly  led  to  the  Boxford  ironworks 


NAMES  IN  TOPSFIELD. 


91 


and  afterwards  to  the  saw-mill  lately  known  as  Frame’s 
mill. 

MISERY.  The  poor,  sandy  land  south  of  Washington  street 
and  near  Fish  brook. 

MUDDY  Spring.  Located  near  the  base  of  Great  hill  be- 
side Howlett  street  and  mentioned  as  a bound  as  early  as 
1690. 

MUTTON  Lane.  A name  applied  to  Central  street  when 
it  was  only  a narrow  lane  terminating  at  what  is  now  Summer 
street.  The  slaughter-house  of  Munday  and  later  of  Wood- 
bury and  Ward,  located  on  this  lane,  suggested  its  name. 
It  was  also  known  as  Mechanic’s  court. 

Navy  Yard.  A name  applied  to  Topsfield  or  some  por- 
tion of  it,  and  in  use  in  Salem  and  vicinity  since  before  1840. 
Its  origin  and  application  is  obscure. 

New  Meadows.  The  first  name  applied  by  the  settlers 
to  this  town  and  finding  its  origin  in  the  broad  meadows  be- 
side the  river. 

NICHOLS’  Brook.  Flows  into  the  Ipswich  river  in  the 
south-western  part  of  the  town  and  forms  a portion  of  the 
boundary  line  between  Topsfield  and  Middleton.  The  name 
is  derived  from  the  Nichols  family,  which  settled  near  this 
brook  in  1651. 

North  Street,  begins  at  Ipswich  street,  a short  distance 
east  of  Baker’s  hill,  and  running  in  a northerly  direction  ends 
at  the  Ipswich  line. 

Oak  Tree.  The  oldest  tree  in  the  town  stands  in  a small 
pasture  on  the  south  side  of  Hill  street  belonging  to  the  Ag- 
ricultural Farm.  It  probably  is  about  300  years  old. 

See  Topsfield  Historical  Collections,  Vol.  VII,  p.  105. 

OLD  Road.  The  road  leading  from  Perkins  street,  under 
the  dry  bridge,  to  the  Common  and  now  known  as  Howlett 
street,  takes  its  name  from  the  fact  that  Samuel  Howlett 
came  from  Ipswich  in  1668  and  set  up  his  trade  of  black- 
smithing  beside  this  street.  His  house  was  also  located  on 
this  street.  The  road  is  one  of  the  oldest  in  the  town. 


92 


LOCALITIES  AND  PLACE 


Olivers.  The  farm  of  500  acres  granted  to  Samuel  Sy- 
monds  by  the  town  of  Ipswich  in  1637,  having  for  its  south- 
westerly bounds,  Pye  brook,  and  south-easterly  bounds  on 
Paine’s  hill.  The  name  originated  in  Symonds’  former  es- 
tate in  Toppesfield  Parish,  England,  which  also  was  known  as 
“Olivers”  and  retains  the  name  to  the  present  day. 

Paine’S  Hill.  The  hill  on  the  northerly  side  of  Ipswich 
street  near  Asbury  street,  taking  its  name  from  William 
Paine,  the  merchant  of  Ipswich  and  Boston,  who  was  an  origin- 
al proprietor  at  the  settlement  of  the  town.  The  name  appears 
in  deeds  as  early  as  1683. 

Park  Street,  formerly  Railroad  avenue,  connects  Main 
street  and  Summer  street. 

PARSONAGE  Lot.  The  hilly  and  swampy  pasture,  now 
overgrown  by  trees  and  bushes,  located  in  the  rear  of  the 
Albert  A.  Conant  property  on  Main  street.  The  first  par- 
sonage was  built  here  in  1663,  and  the  cellar  hole  may  yet 
be  seen  about  one  hundred  feet  in  the  rear  of  the  Conant 
stable.  The  land  remained  the  property  of  the  town  and 
parish  for  nearly  two  hundred  years. 

Perkins’  ISLAND.  Elevated  land  near  the  Ipswich  river  in 
the  southeasterly  part  of  the  town.  A bound  stone  marking 
the  line  between  Topsfield  and  Wenham  is  on  this  island. 

Perkins’  Row.  A name  formerly  applied  to  that  portion 
of  Perkins  street  between  Howlett  street  and  High  street,  for 
the  reason  that  nearly  every  family  on  the  street  was  of  the 
Perkins  name. 

Perkins  Street,  begins  at  the  junction  of  Central  and 
High  streets  and  ends  at  Ipswich  street,  at  “the  City.”  It  is 
a very  crooked  road.  Part  of  it  formerly  was  known  as  “Per- 
kins Row.”  That  part  extending  from  Meeting  House  lane 
to  Ipswich  street  has  long  been  known  as  the  “Bonney’s 
Featherbed  road.” 

Pine  Grove  Cemetery.  Located  on  Haverhill  street, 
it  takes  its  name  from  the  fine  grove  of  140  pine  trees  on  the 
higher  part  of  the  ground.  The  first  interments  in  this 


NAMES  IN  TOPSFIELD. 


93 


ground  were  probably  made  about  1663  when  the  meeting- 
house was  located  here.  Three  enlargements  have  been  made 
to  the  original  area. 

Pine  Hill.  A hill  lying  south-west  of  the  Peterson  farm 
on  the  south  side  of  the  Ipswich  river,  mentioned  in  a deed 
of  Averill  to  Averill  in  Sept.,  1709. 

Pine  Island.  An  island  in  the  meadow  east  of  the 
ridge  which  lies  east  of  the  Dudley  Bradstreet  house  now 
owned  by  Thomas  E.  Proctor.  The  name  was  in  use  before 
1718. 

Pine  Plain.  The  level  ground  lying  on  either  side  of 
Haverhill  street,  north  of  Gallup’s  brook.  Of  late  years 
known  as  Hovey’s  plain.  The  name  appears  in  deeds  as 
early  as  1657. 

Pine  STREET,  connects  Ipswich  street  and  Haverhill 
street.  A small  grove  of  pine  trees  suggested  the  name. 

Poker  Bridge.  The  small  bridge  crossed  by  Maple 
street  near  the  railroad  track.  Tradition  relates  that  the 
Devil  in  the  form  of  a hog,  formerly  haunted  this  bridge, 
hence  the  name  “Porker”  or  “Poker”  bridge.  In  1699  it  was 
called  Foster’s  bridge,  in  the  laying  out  of  a road. 

Pond  Street,  begins  at  Haverhill  street  and  following 
the  northern  shore  of  Hood’s  pond,  ends  at  the  Ipswich 
line. 

The  Pound.  The  pound  in  which  are  kept  domestic 
animals  that  have  strayed  from  there  owner’s  keeping,  is  lo- 
cated (1905)  in  a portion  of  the  “Town  pasture,”  beyond  Pine 
Grove  Cemetery.  Previous  to  about  1885,  it  was  located  for 
many  years  on  Washington  street,  in  the  rear  of  the  Con- 
gregational church,  in  a corner  of  the  pasture,  known  as 
the  “Parsonage  lot,”  it  having  been  removed  to  this  site  in 
1844  from  where  the  Town  hall  now  stands,  to  accomodate 
the  school  house  built  at  that  time. 

Powder  House  Hill.  On  the  knoll  nearest  the  swamp 
at  the  Washington  street  end  of  the  “Parsonage  lot”  formerly 
stood  a small  building  in  which  was  stored  the  town’s  stock 


94 


LOCALITIES  AND  PLACE 


of  gunpowder.  The  building  was  removed  shortly  before 
1850. 

Price’s  Hill.  The  hill  lies  south  of  the  village  and  has 
an  elevation  of  160  feet.  Prospect  street  runs  over  it.  The 
early  settlers  applied  the  name  “Billingsgate”  to  this  hill. 
For  a number  of  years  following  1850  it  was  known  as  Lang’s 
hill.  The  present  name  is  derived  from  the  Richard  Price 
estate  located  on  the  top  of  the  hill. 

Pritchett’s  Pond.  An  early  name  for  Hood’s  pond. 

PROSPECT  Street,  connects  Main  street  with  River  street, 
passing  over  “Billingsgate  hill”  and  affording  a fine  view  of  the 
village. 

Pye  Brook.  The  outlet  for  Lowe’s  pond,  Boxford,  and 
Hood’s  pond,  Topsfield.  The  name  was  applied  before  1645. 
During  the  past  seventy-five  years  the  lower  portion  of  the 
brook  has  been  known  as  “Gallup’s  brook.” 

The  Rapids.  A shallow,  rocky  place  in  the  Ipswich 
river,  about  half  way  between  the  Stone  bridge  and  Towne’s 
Bridge,  and  near  the  locality  known  as  “The  Hartlands.” 

RlDGE  Street,  begins  at  Ipswich  street,  crosses  the  Turn- 
pike, and  ends  at  Perkins  street.  For  a part  of  the  distance 
it  is  built  on  top  of  a glacial  ridge  or  terminal  moraine. 

RIVER  Hill.  The  hill  south  of  the  Stone  bridge.  Also 
called  “Turnpike  hill.” 

RIVER  Street,  begins  at  Salem  street,  near  the  river,  which 
it  follows  for  some  distance,  and  crossing  Washington  street 
it  ends  at  the  Boxford  line  or  Fish  Brook  bridge. 

ROWLEY  Bridge.  The  bridge  over  the  Ipswich  river  near- 
est the  Middleton  and  Boxford  line.  It  was  built  conjoint- 
ly by  Topsfield  and  Rowley  and  may  have  locally  acquired 
its  name  from  this  fact.  The  name  appears  in  a deed  dated 
Jan.  1,  1695. 

Rowley  Bridge  Street,  begins  at  River  street,  passes 
over  “Rowley  bridge,”  and  ends  at  the  Danvers  line  where 
it  becomes  North  street. 


NAMES  IN  TOPSFIELD. 


95 


Rowley  Street,  begins  at  Haverhill  street  and  ends  at 
the  Ipswich  line  near  the  southern  end  of  Hood’s  pond. 

Salem  Street,  formerly  the  main  road  to  Danvers  and 
Salem,  begins  at  Main  street,  opposite  the  Agricultural  farm, 
crosses  the  Turnpike  at  the  top  of  River  hill,  and  ends  at  the 
Danvers  line  where  it  becomes  Locust  street. 

SCHOOL  Avenue,  extends  from  Main  street  to  the  school 
grounds. 

SHENEWEMEDY.  The  Indian  name  applied  to  Topsfield  in 
the  earliest  times,  perhaps  meaning — “the  pleasant  place  by 
the  running  water.” 

Skunk  Island.  Elevated  ground  in  Slough  brook,  a short 
distance  north  of  River  street. 

SLOUGH  Brook.  Flows  into  the  Ipswich  river  and  is 
crossed  by  River  street  at  a point  about  halfway  between 
Prospect  street  and  Rowley  Bridge  street. 

Snook’S  Dam,  or  Snook’s  Hole.  The  small  brook  which 
passes  under  Perkins  street  near  Meeting  House  lane  flows 
into  Mile  brook.  A few  rods  from  Mile  brook,  the  smaller 
stream  at  some  earlier  time  was  dammed  and  the  locality  as 
early  as  June,  1663,  was  known  as  “Sknookes  hole.”  In  a 
deed  dated  Jan.  18,  1674?  this  locality  is  called  “Snake 
hole.” 

SOUTH  Side.  The  territory  lying  on  the  south  side  of 
the  Ipswich  river. 

South  Side  Cemetey.  Located  on  Rowley  Bridge  street 
near  the  Copper  Mine  lot.  Half  of  its  area  was  set  aside  for 
burial  purposes  and  given  by  Joseph  Herrick  in  1740.  The 
other  half  was  given  by  David  Cummins  in  1814. 

SPRINGVILLE.  The  locality  about  the  junction  of  Ipswich 
street  and  the  Newburyport  and  Boston  turnpike.  Also 
known  as  “Hardscrabble.”  It  received  its  name  “Springville,” 
in  1870,  from  William  Locke,  who  erected  two  guideboards 
bearing  that  name.  It  originated  in  the  numerous  excel- 
lent springs  in  the  vicinity. 


96 


LOCALITIES  AND  PLACE 


STICKEY  Meadows.  The  meadows  on  the  south  side  of 
the  Ipswich  river  in  the  rear  of  the  Pike  and  Peterson  farms. 
They  were  laid  out  in  the  second  division  of  common  lands, 
having  a width  of  52  rods.  The  name  appears  in  deeds  as 
early  as  1670.  For  many  years  they  were  controlled  by  a 
corporation  composed  of  the  various  owners  and  known  as 
the  Proprietors  of  the  Stickey  Meadows.  The  origin  of  the 
name  is  unknown  unless  from  the  tenatious  quality  of  the 
mucky  soil. 

STONE  Bridge,  or  Arch  Bridge.  The  bridge  across  the 
Ipswich  river,  over  which  the  Turnpike  runs.  It  was  built 
in  1854,  then  replacing  a wooden  bridge. 

STONE  House.  A dwelling-house  built  of  stone  brought 
from  Crooked  pond,  Boxford,  that  formerly  stood  on  the 
easterly  side  of  Salem  street  about  half-way  between  the  Turn- 
pike and  Wenham  street.  It  was  built  in  1836  and  taken 
down  in  1885. 

Sugar-loaf  Hills.  In  various  parts  of  the  town,  but 
notably  in  and  near  the  village,  are  several  small  conical  ele- 
vations which  have  long  been  known  as  “sugar-loaf  hills.” 
One  formerly  existed  on  the  present  site  of  the  Congrega- 
tional church  and  was  leveled  in  1703  when  the  second  meet- 
ing-house was  built.  Another,  may  be  seen  occupying  a tri- 
angular space  at  the  junction  of  Washington  street  and  Grove 
street.  The  name  was  early  applied  to  the  hillock  on  the 
southerly  side  of  Grove  street,  about  the  steep  sides  of  which 
gathered  the  people  when  the  Bi-Centennial  of  the  incorpor- 
ation of  the  town  was  celebrated  in  1850.  The  rock  forma- 
tion is  reddish  and  disintegrates  upon  being  exposed  to  the 
action  of  frost.  It  is  a decomposed  form  of  granite,  geolog- 
ically known  as  arkose. 

Summer  Street,  connects  Main  street  and  High  street. 

SwEENEYVILLE.  The  collection  of  houses  near  the  south- 
ern end  of  Main  street.  Named  for  Miles  Sweeney  who  lived 
therefor  a number  of  years  beginning  with  1851. 


NAMES  IN  TOPSFIELD. 


97 


Symonds’  Plain.  The  sandy  level  north  of  Mile  brook 
on  either  side  of  North  street.  This  plain  was  owned  by  the 
Symonds  family  for  nearly  175  years. 

Symonds’  Woods.  A name  formerly  applied  to  a stretch 
of  wood  land  near  Rowley  bridge,  now  small  in  extent. 

Thick  Woods.  A name  applied  as  early  as  1647  to  the 
locality  lying  easterly  from  the  Lamson  farm  and  originating 
in  the  dense  growth  of  forest  trees  covering  that  part  of  the 
town. 

Toad  Island.  A triangular  area  at  Springville  bound- 
ed by  the  Turnpike,  Ipswich  street,  and  the  brook, — a favor- 
ite haunt  for  toads. 

Toll  House.  The  house  at  the  corner  of  Salem  street 
and  the  Newburyport  and  Boston  turnpike  and  built  for  the 
keeper  of  the  turnpike  gate  who  collected  tolls  at  this  point. 

Town  Pasture.  The  pasture  lying  westerly  from  Pine 
Grove  Cemetery  and  occupying  the  larger  part  of  Bare  hill. 
The  land  belongs  to  the  town  and  primarily  was  purchased 
for  the  purpose  of  enlarging  the  limits  of  the  cemetery. 

Towne’S  BRIDGE.  The  bridge  crossing  the  river  next  be- 
low the  stone  bridge,  and  near  the  railroad  bridge.  It  derives 
its  popular  name  from  the  fact  that  all  those  living  beyond  the 
bridge,  on  the  south  side  of  the  river,  belonged  to  the  Towne 
family. 

The  TURNPIKE.  The  Boston  and  Newburyport  Turn- 
pike was  built  through  Topsfield  in  1804.  The  road  runs  in 
a nearly  straight  line  from  Newburyport  to  Boston. 

Todd’S  Corner.  The  corner  at  the  junction  of  Haver- 
hill street  and  Ipswich  street,  so  named  for  the  owner  of  the 
house  at  the  corner — Samuel  Todd. 

UTICA.  The  one-story  building  north  of  the  J.  B.  Poor 
house  on  Grove  street,  formerly  a shoe  shop  and  of  late  years 
occupied  by  elderly  men  who  have  lived  alone.  It  was  re- 
moved to  this  location  in  1872  by  John  Janes,  who  was  the 
first  to  live  in  it  and  who  removed  to  Utica,  N.  Y.,  hence  the 
name. 


98 


LOCALITIES  AND  PLACE 


The  Valley.  The  valley,  or  glen,  south  of  the  residence 
of  Arthur  A.  Clarke  and  extending  from  the  Turnpike  to 
the  rear  of  the  Hodges  house.  Sometimes  called  “Perk. 
Towne’s  Valley,”  from  the  former  owner — Perkins  Towne. 

VALLEY  Road.  The  highway  built  in  1900  in  part  with 
money  apportioned  by  the  State  Highway  Commission.  Be- 
ginning at  High  street  near  Towne’s  bridge  it  skirts  the  hill- 
side, crosses  the  swamp  beyond  the  Wenham  and  Danvers 
boundary  stone,  and  enters  Locust  street  in  Danvers  near 
the  Sears  farm.  For  nearly  a century  various  routes  had 
been  discussed  and  even  surveyed,  by  which  the  village  of 
Topsfield  might  be  reached  without  passing  over  River  hill, 
and  the  present  road  takes  its  name  from  a previous  plan  of 
a proposed  road  through  the  valley  between  River  hill  and 
Towne’s  hill. 

Washington  Street,  begins  at  the  junction  of  Main  and 
High  streets  and  passes  through  “the  West  End,”  crossing 
River  street,  and  ends  at  the  Boxford  line. 

Wenham  Causeway.  Wenham  street  after  it  passes  the 
Wenham  boundary  line  is  built  over  swampy  land  and  has 
been  known  as  the  “causeway”  or  “cassey”  since  before  1659 
when  first  mentioned  in  the  Topsfield  records. 

WENHAM  Street,  connects  Salem  street  and  High  street, 
passing  down  “Grass  hill”  and  leading  to  the  “Wenham  cause- 
way.” 

WEST  End.  The  territory  lying  on  either  side  of  Wash- 
ington street,  about  a mile  west  of  the  village. 

Wheel  Brook.  The  brook  which  crosses  Salem  street 
a short  distance  south  of  the  Dwinell  farm.  The  name  ap- 
pears in  deeds  as  early  as  1670  and  local  tradition  preserves 
the  story  of  a man  who  attempted  to  cross  this  brook  with 
his  team  and  becoming  mired,  lost  a wheel  from  his  cart. 

WIGWAM  Hill.  Two  small  elevations  in  a field  south  of 
River  street,  now  belonging  to  Mrs.  Sarah  H.  Garrett,  said  to 
have  formerly  been  frequented  by  the  Indians. 


NAMES  IN  TOPSFIELD. 


99 


WILD  Goose  Pond.  The  small  pond  between  the  Capen 
house,  and  the  Holmes-Emery  house. 

Wildes  Street,  begins  at  Boston  street,  crosses  East 
street  and  ends  at  the  Ipswich  line,  passing  the  old  Dudley 
Wildes  house. 

Willow  Tree.  In  the  rear  of  the  Albert  W.  Pace  house, 
on  High  street,  is  a willow  tree  set  out  by  Philander  Ander- 
son, surveyor,  in  1836,  to  mark  the  geographical  center  of 
Essex  County. 

WlNTHROP’s  Brook.  The  brook  now  known  as  Gravel- 
ly brook,  which  for  a short  distance  forms  the  boundary 
line  between  Topsfield  and  Ipswich.  The  name  appears  as 
early  as  1664. 

WlNTHROP’s  Hill.  A hill  lying  between  Howlett’s  brook 
and  Paine’s  hill.  Mentioned  as  early  as  1673.  Without 
doubt  named  for  John  Winthrop. 

WlTCH  Hill.  The  hill  now  owned  by  Thomas  W. 
Pierce,  and  having  an  elevation  280  feet.  The  present  man- 
sion house  is  erected  on  the  site  of  the  house  where  lived 
Isaac  Esty,  son  of  Mary  Esty  who  was  executed  as  a witch 
in  1692.  Hon.  Benjamin  W.  Crowninshield,  secretaiy  of  the 
Navy,  was  living  here  in  1825  and  is  said  to  have  first  ap- 
plied the  popular  name. 

WOODEN  Bridge.  There  are  four  wooden  bridges  cross- 
ing the  Ipswich  river  in  Topsfield,  but  the  bridge  near 
Walsh’s  and  Balch’s  and  sometimes  known  by  these  names 
is  generally  spoken  of  as  “the  wooden  bridge.”  It  is  also 
called  “the  river  bridge.”  A bridge  was  built  at  this  point 
before  1653,  by  Walter  Roper,  a carpenter  from  Ipswich. 


CAPT.  JOHN  GOULD’S  PETITION  IN  1694. 


To  the  Honrble  William  Stoughton  Esq.  lieu1  Governr  of 
their  Majesties  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  & the  rest 
of  the  Honorble  Council  now  sitting  in  Boston  Novr  22,  1694. 

The  Humble  Petition  of  John  Gold  of  Topsfield.  Where- 
as your  Petionr  received  an  Order  from  Maj.r  Nathaniel  Sal- 
tonstall  in  May  1684  to  take  a survey  of  ye  estate  and  Con- 
dition of  the  Military  Company  in  Topsfield,  then  and  now 
under  his  Command,  and  among  other  things  to  provide  a 
new  flight  of  Colours  & Drum,  in  obedience  thereto  yr 
Petitioner  did  lay  out  his  owne  money  and  procured  them 
for  the  Company,  and  yor  Petition”  Son  Served  the  Com- 
pany as  Drumer  ever  since  for  all  which  for  Colours  and 
drum  there  is  due  four  pounds  five  shillings  and  his  Service 
as  drumer  about  eight  pounds,  and  the  Clerkes  that  were 
then  and  since  being  dead  and  several  changes  since  so  that 
there  are  no  fines  sufficient  to  defray  the  aforesd  charge  of 
twelve  pounds. 

your  Petition1-  doth  therefore  humbly  request  that  favour 
that  your  Honr  would  direct  to  Some  Course  how  he  may 
be  Satisfyed  and  if  by  the  Towne  of  Topsfield,  that  then  yor 
Honr  would  please  to  pass  an  Order  to  ye  Select  men  or  as- 
sessors of  the  Towne  to  rate  the  Inhabitants,  or  however  else 
yor  Honors  shall  please  to  direct,  that  so  yor  Petitioner  may 
be  reimbursed  for  the  money  he  hath  layd  out  for  ye  Com- 
pany Service,  and  yor  Petition1-  shall  as  in  duty  bound  ever 
pray  eca 

JOHN  GOLD. 


Massachusetts  Archives , Vol.  70,  p.  233. 


THE 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN  OF 
TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 

TRANSCRIBED  BY  H.  FOLLANSBEE  LONG. 


Continued  from  Vol.  Ill,  page  ioo. 


[102]  At  a lawfull  meeting  of  ve  Selectmen  of  Topsfield 
ye  10th  Day  of  May  1699  in  answer  to  an  order  from  wenham 
for  perambulation  on  ye  line  betwene  Wenham  and  Topsfield. 
Capt.  John  How  and  Elisha  Pirkins  and  Thomas  Towne  are 
Chosen  to  Joyne  with  Wenham  gentlemen  to  renew  as 
abouesaid.  voted 

Att  a meeting  of  ye  Selectmen  may  ye  2d  1699  then  agreed 
yt  ye  line  be  perambulated  and  ye  bounds  renewed  betwene 
our  Towne  and  Topsfield  : on  tuesday  ye  23d  day  of  this  in- 
stant may  at  about  ten  of  ye  clock  in  ye  forenoone  to  meet 
at  ye  northwardly  end  of  wenham  Causway  if  faire  weather 
if  not  then  ye  next  faire  day:  and  Sarg*.  James  freind  and 
William  fairfield  too  of  ye  preasont  Selectmen : and  John 
Batcheler  iunr  John  Gott  and  John  Moulton  or  any  three  of 
them  or  so  many  of  them  as  shall  apeere  are  apointed  for 
said  seruis  to  Joyne  with  such  gentlemen  of  Topsfield  as  shall 
apere  apointed  for  said  seruis — copia  vera  as  it  stands  en- 
tered in  Wenham  Towne  Book  examd. 

Pr.  John  Newman  Towne  Clark. 

Copia  vera  compared  atest  Ephraim  Dorman  Towne 
clarke  for  Topsfield. 

(IOI) 


102 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


Wee  whose  names  are  hereunto  subscribed  being  meet  to- 
gether in  behalfe  of  our  seauerall  Townes  Wenham  and 
Topsfield  to  perambulate  ye  line  and  renew  ye  bounds  be* 
tweene  our  said  Townes  we  haue  acordingly  renewed  said 
bounds  as  they  haue  bene  formerly  stated  and  setled  by  a- 
grement  made  betwene  our  Towns  as  witnes  our  hands  this 
23  day  of  May  1699. 

James  frind 
William  fairfield 
John  Batcheller 

for  Wenham 

copia  vera  compared  atest  Ephraim  Dorman  Towne  Clark 
for  Topsfield. 

At  a lawfull  meeting  ye  19th  of  September  1699  of  ye  free- 
holders and  others  alowed  by  law  of  Topsfield  Cap1  How 
and  Thomas  Pirkins  are  Chosen  to  sarve  on  ye  Jury  of 
Tualls  at  ye  next  Nubary  Court.  uoted 

Boston  aprill  27:  1699.  Reseued  of  Mr.  Joseph  Borman 
Constable  of  Topsfield : 34  pounds  in  parte  of  a worrent  for 
forty  three  pounds  fiftene  shillings.  Reseued  for  Mr.  James 
Tailler  Treasurer. 

Pr.  Jear  Allin. 

Copia  vera  atest  Ephraim  Dorman  Towne  Clarke  for 
Topsfield. 

Boston  Sept,  ye  4th  1699.  Reseued  of  Mr.  Joseph  Bor- 
man Constable  of  Topsfield  nine  pounds  fiftene  shilings  in 
full  of  a worrent  for  fforty  three  pounds  fiftene  shilings: 
Reseued  for  Mr.  James  Tailler  Treasurer. 

Pr.  Jeremiah  Allen. 

Copia  vera  compared  atest  Ephraim  Dorman  Towne  Clarke 
for  Topsfield. 

16  of  January  1699  or  [1]  700  at  a lawfull  Towne  meeting 
ye  Towne  did  alow  of  Ephraim  Dormans  bill  of  charge-uoted 
quarter  master  Pirkins  his  bill  of  charg  was  alowed.  uoted 

The  Towne  hath  giueen  quartermaster  Pirkins  full  power 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


103 


to  chuse  a man  to  asist  him  in  ye  behalfe  of  ye  Towne  in 
that  case  to  be  tried  at  ye  generall  Court  depending  be- 
twene  Topsfield  and  Boxford.  noted 

[103]  Elisha  Pirkins  is  allowed  fiftene  shilings  silver  for 
sweeping  ye  meeting  house.  uoted 

At  a lawfull  meeting  of  ye  Town  of  Topsfield  the  5 day 
march  1699-1700  Lieut.  Ephraim  Dorman  is  Chosen  Towne 
Clarke  for  ye  year  ensuing. 

Ens.  Samuell  Howlet  and  Capt.  John  How  and  quarter- 
master Pirkins  and  Isaac  Pabody  and  Jacob  Towne  inur  are 
chosen  Selectmen  to  order  ye  prudensiall  afaires  of  ye 
Towne  for  ye  yeare  ensewing  thay  weare  chosen  acording  to 
our  usiall  maner  uoted  and  confermed  by  a maier  uote.  uoted 

Ephraim  Dormand  and  Isaac  Easty  iunr  are  chosen  to 
sarue  on  ye  Jury  of  triads  at  ye  next  court  to  be  houlden  at 
ipswich.  uoted 

and  Sarg*  Isaac  Easty  is  chosen  graniuryman  for  ye  yeare 
enseuing.  uoted 

John  Comings  is  Chosen  Constable  for  ye  yeare  ensewing. 

uoted 

John  Robbi[son]  senr  and  Thomas  Pearly  and  Phillip 
Knite  are  chosen  serueyers  for  highways  for  ye  yeare  en- 
sewing and  Nathaniell  Auerill  is  chosen  serueyer  of  highwayes 
allso  for  ye  yere  ensewing.  uoted 

Ephraim  Wilds  and  Beniamen  Bigsbey  are  chosen  fence 
vewers  for  ye  yeare  insewing.  uoted 

Sargt.  John  Houey  and  Mr.  Timmothy  Pirkins  and  William 
Towne  are  chosen  Tithingmen  for  ye  yeare  ensewing.  uoted 

whareas  Sargt.  Thomas  Dorman  did  mosion  ye  Towne 
that  thay  would  alow  him  twenty  shillings  of  what  Edward 
Nearland  was  Rated  and  ye  said  Dorman  was  to  gather:  and 
ye  said  Dorman  would  loose  twenty  rather  than  contend  at 
law  with  him  the  wholl  being  forty  shilling:  ye  Towne  did 
uote  that  thay  would  alow  constable  Dorman  twenty  shilings 
insiluer  in  ye  next  Towne  Rate  on  that  a count.  uoted 


04 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


at  ye  request  of  Jobe  AuerLll  and  sum  others  y*  thay 
might  raise  ye  hinder  seat  in  ye  back  sid  of  ye  meeting  hous 
under  ye  gallery  the  Towne  gaue  them  leue  so  to  bee  pro- 
uided  thay  fill  it  with  Towns  men.  uoted 

Ens  Town  desents  as  to  this  uote. 

The  Towne  haue  renewed  the  former  order  about  wood  and 
timber  as  was  made  on  ye  tenth  of  march  1696  or  7.  uoted 

Boston  december  5th  1699:  Reseued  of  mr.  John  Curtious 
Constable  of  Topsfield  seauentene  pounds  in  parte  of  a wor- 
rent  for  twenty  four  pounds  Reseued  for  Mr.  James  Tailer 
Treasurors’  byjer:  alien. 

£17  -copia  vera  Compared  atest  Ephraim  Dorman  Towne 
Clarke  for  Topsfield. 

Boston  fabruary  23r  1699-Reseued  of  Mr.  John  Curtious 
Constable  of  Topsfield  seaueen  pounds  in  full  of  a worrent 
for  twenty  four  pounds  Received  for  Mr.  James  Tayler 
Treasuror.  Pr.  Jer  Allen. 

^7-copia  vera  compared  atest  Ephraim  Dorman  Towne 
Clarke  for  Topsfield. 

The  persons  under  writen  are  sworne  to  thare  ofice  march 
ye  7th  1699  or  1700-Ephraim  Dorman  Towne  Clarke  John 
Comings  Constable  and  John  Robison  senr  and  Nathaniell 
Auerill  serueyers  Ephraim  Wilds  and  Benjamin  Bigsbye  fence 
uewers  sargent  Houey  and  Mr.  Timmothy  pirkins  Tithing- 
men  sworne  before  coll  Appleton,  atest  Ephraim  Dorman 
Towne  Clarke  for  Topsfield. 

att  a lawfull  meeting  of  ye  Selectmen  of  Topsfield  on  the 
5th  day  of  august  1703  then  went  and  laid  out  a Country 
Road  from  our  Meeting  Hous  to  the  Towne  Bridg  over  ye 
River  and  so  on  as  the  Road  now  gose  through  our  Town  to 
Salem  Line. 

John  Gould  Junr 
John  Cummings,  Ebenezer  Averell 
Samuel  Stanley,  Thomas  Perley 

Selectmen  of  Topsfield. 


OF  TOPS  FIELD,  MASS. 


I05 


[104]  At  a lawfull  Towne  meeting  of  ye  Towne  of  Tops- 
field  ye  2 day  of  aprill  1700. 

whare  as  Salem  haue  a greed  and  impowered  men  to 
agree  aboute  a further  settlement  of  a diuisionall  line  be- 
twene  Salem  and  Topsfield  and  haue  sent  to  Topsfield  that 
thay  might  apoint  men  for  that  end  in  answer  thare  unto 
Topsfield  haue  chosen  Cap1.  John  How  quortermaster 
Tobijiah  Pirkins  and  Isaac  Pabody  and  Joseph  Towne  Junr 
and  Ephraim  Dorman  and  Impowered  them  to  agree  with 
Salem  to  confirme  ye  six  miles  exstent  spasified  in  ye  Gener- 
ali Court  did  in  1643  and  also  for  a firther  confirmation  of 
ye  line  all  ready  settelled  in  march  ye  25th  1659  as  it  is  thare 
spasified. 

At  a lawfull  meeting  of  ye  Selectmen  of  Topsfield  ye  15  of 
march  1699  or  1700  John  How  and  Ephraim  Dorman  and 
Isaac  Pabody  are  chosen  and  apointed  to  run  ye  bounds 
with  ye  gentlemen  of  Ipswich  apointed  for  y*  end  in  peram- 
bulation and  to  renew  ye  bounds  agreed. 

Samuell  Howlet  in 
ye  name  and  by  order 

copia  vera  Compared  and  entered  of  ye  Selectmen  of 
atest  Ephraim  Dorman  Towne  Topsfield  atst 

Clarke  for  Topsfield.  Ephraim  Dorman 

Towne  Clarke  for 
Topsfield. 

at  a meeting  of  ye  Selectmen  of  Topsfield  ye  5th  of  april 
1700  in  answer  to  ye  Selectmen  of  Ipswich  we  have  chosen 
and  appointed  men  to  atend  y*  seruis  thare  names  are  as 
foloweth  Ephraim  Dorman  Ens  Samuell  Howlet  Isaac  Pa- 
body and  John  How  to  run  and  setle  ye  Bounds. 

copia  vera  compared  atest  John  How  by  order  in  ye 

Ephraim  Dorman  Towne  name  of  ye  Selectmen  of 

Clarke  for  Topsfield  Topsfield. 

We  whose  names  are  Subscribed  being  apointed  by  ye 
Townes  of  Ipswich  and  Topsfield  Respecttiuely  to  run  ye 
line  between  said  Ipswich  and  Topsfield  haue  renewed  ye 
bounds  all  ready  stated : from  ye  apple  tree  in  Leiut 

Thomas  Parlyes  field  to  a read  oake  marked  with  stones  at  it 


io  6 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


betwixt  mr.  Bakers  pond  and  said  apple  tree : on  a straight 
line  from  said  apple  tree  to  said  read  oake  and  from  said  red 
oake  to  a white  oake  marked  upon  a hill  a few  rods  from  said 
pond  : an  vn  as  ye  pond  runs  to  a markt  tree  at  ye  end  and 
next  fosters  and  yn  by  ye  former  markt  trees  till  it  comes  to 
mr  Sirnonds  farme  so  called  and  by  said  farme  till  it  comes 
to  ye  stake  by  or  nere  a spring  nere  mr  Winthrops  corner  in 
ye  meadow:  and  from  sd  stake  haue  setled  ye  bounds  on  a 
straight  line  about  two  rods  and  a halfe  westerly  of  Edward 
Nearlands  now  dwelling  house  to  a stake  and  heape  of 
stones:  upon  ye  side  of  a hill  called  pains  hill : and  from 
said  stake  and  stones  westwardly  to  a heape  of  stones  and 
stake  nere  ye  brook  and  so  to  ye  brook  yt  runs  to  Corpll 
Howlets  and  yn  said  brook  runs  into  Ipswich  Riuer : in  tes- 
timony here  of  we  haue  set  to  our  hands  this  8th  day  of  aprill 
anno:  dom  seauenteene  hundred. 


copia  vera  compared  and  entered  pr  me  Ephraim  Dorman 
Towne  Clarke  for  Topsfield. 

at  a lawfull  meeting  of  ye  Selectmen  this  19  of  aprill  1700 
we  have  apointed  quortermaster  Pirkins  and  Ens  Samuell 
Howlet  and  cap1  iohn  How  or  ye  maior  part  of  them  to  goe 
on  perrambulasion  with  Salem  gentlemen  apointed  for  yt 
end : and  to  meet  at  mr  Joseph  Porters  on  ye  last  tuesday 
of  this  instant  aprill  at  ten  of  ye  clocke  by  order  of  ye 
Selectmen  of  Topsfield.  Isaac  Pabody. 

copia  vera  compared  and  entered  Pr  me  Ephraim  Dorman 
Towne  clarke. 

[105]  at  a meeting  of  ye  Selectmen  of  Salem  aprill  2-1 700 
Ordered  that  capt  Thomas  fflint  mr  Joseph  Putnam  mr 
Samuell  Gedney  mr  John  Trask  or  ye  maior  part  of  them  or 
any  two  of  them  doe  meet  on  ye  Last  tuesday  of  this  instant 
aprill  at  ten  of  ye  clock  in  ye  morning  at  mr  Joseph  Porters 
with  such  as  Topsfield  shall  apoint  to  perambulate  bounds; 


John  How 
Ephraim  Dorman 
Samuell  Howlet 
Isaac  Peabodv 


John  Appleton 
John  Wipple 


Abraham  How 
William  Howlet 
John  Pingry 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


107 


Pr.  order  of  ye  Selectmen. 

Daniell  Epes  Town  Clark. 

copia  vera  compared  atest  Ephraim  Dorman  Town  Clarke 
for  Topsfield. 

We  whose  names  are  underwritten  have  met  with  Topsfield 
men  as  aboue  said  and  renewed  the  bounds  to  Crumwells 
rock  from  a white  oake  tree  with  stone[s]  at  it  nere  Wenham 
Causway  this  30  of  aprill  1700. 

John  Trask 
Joseph  Putnam 
Samuell  Gidney 

copia  vera  Compared  and  entred  Pr  me  atest  Ephraim 
Dorman,  Towne  Clarke. 

At  a lawfull  meeting  of  ye  Towne  of  Topsfield  ye  7th  of 
May  1700  quortermaster  Tobiiah  Pirkins  is  chosen  Repre- 
sentitiue  for  to  sarue  at  ye  grate  and  Genarall  court  to  be 
houlden  at  Boston  on  ye  29  of  this  instant.  voted 

Whare  as  it  doth  apere  that  Salem  hath  giuen  full  power  to 
thare  Selectmen : to  agree  with  Topsfield  or  men  chosen  in 
our  Towns  behalf e for  a full  settlement  and  conformasion  of 
ye  diuisionall  Line  betwene  Salem  and  Topsfield:  in  ansuer 
thare  unto  Topsfield  hath  chosen  capt  John  How  and  quor- 
termaster Tobiiah  Pirkins  and  Isaac  Pabody  and  Joseph 
Towne  iunr  and  Ephraim  Dorman  and  hath  giuen  them  full 
power  to  agree  with  Salem  Gentlemen  about  lands  and  to 
conferme  and  establish  the  diuisionall  Line  and  what  the 
maior  parte  of  them  shall  agree  upon  the  Towne  will  stand 
by  as  vallued.  uoted 

We  whose  names  are  under  witen  being  apointed  by  ye 
Selectmen : to  lay  out  a highway  to  goe  with  carts  and 
hosis:  from  Thomas  Pirkinsis  in  to  ye  way  below  En8  Towns 
haue  dun  it:  beginning  at  Thomas  Pirkinsis  a fence  being 
on  ye  South  Side : till  we  com  behind  his  barne  and  a wal- 
nut tree  marked  on  ye  north  side : and  a black  oack  tree 
marked  on  ye  south  side : and  ye  plaine  beten  path  all  ye 
way  to  land  formerly  Thomas  Brownings  to  two  heapes  of 
stones:  one  on  ye  south  side  and  one  on  ye  north  side  and 


o8 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


then  ye  old  beaten  path  all  ye  way  with  trees  marked  on 
both  sides  till  we  com  ouer  ffosters  bridg:  and  then  ye  path 
that  goeth  to  Elisha  Pirkinsis:  till  we  come  to  a little  oake 
tree  marked  and  through  his  field  to  ye  causeway  that  goeeth 
ouer  ye  meadow  and  brook  and  then  the  plaine  path  till  we 
com  to  Sargt.  Easties  pasture  and  then  his  pasture  fence  the 
bounds  on  the  south  side  till  we  com  in  to  ye  Cuntry  Rode, 
dat  ye  26th  of  October  1699.  Samuell  Howlet 

Elisha  Pirkins 

copia  vera  compared  and  entered  atest  Ephraim  Dorman 
Towne  Clarke. 

at  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Topsfield  ye  Second 
Day  of  March  1702  the  Town  agreed  that  there  should  be 
no  Trees  cut  down  upon  our  Town  Common  untill  furder 
order  on  ye  penalty  of  Twenty  Shilling  Pr  Tree.  voted 

This  is  a true  Copy  as  it  stands  on  our  Town  Book  attes- 
ted by  me  Samuel  Stanley  Town  Clerke  for  Topsfield. 

allowed  at  a General  Sessions  of  ye  Peace  holden  at  Ip- 
swich march  30th  1703  the  above  order:  or  by  Law : is 
Read  Considered  & allowed  : and  Entred  with  the  County 
Records:  accordingly. 

attests  Stephen  Sewall  Cler. 

copia  vera  attests  Samuel  Stanley  Town  Clerke  for 
Topsfield. 

[106]  Whare  as  thare  hath  arisen  sauarall  difaransis  be- 
twene  ye  Towne  of  Salem  and  ye  Towne  of  Topsfield  about 
ye  bounds  betwene  ye  said  Townes  and  ye  lands  which  ware 
formerly  granted  by  Salem  to  sauerall  persons  without  ther 
six  miles  extant:  by  uertue  of  ye  grant  of  ye  Generali  Court 
in  ye  yeare  1639  uontil  ye  19th  October  1658:  at  which  time 
ye  said  Genarall  courte  did  determen  that  what  lands  said 
Towne  of  Salem  had  granted  before  said  19  October  1658  the 
propriete  thare  of  should  belong  to  ye  persens  to  whome 
thay  ware  granted  by  Salem : and  ye  Towneship  of  said 
lands  should  belong  unto  ye  Towne  of  Topsfield — now  for 
ye  preuenting  any  firther  deferences  betwene  ye  said 
Townes  for  ye  future  we  whose  names  are  here  unto  sub- 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


109 


scribed:  being  apointed  and  impowered  by  ye  said  Townes 
of  Salem  and  Topsfield : to  consider  of  agree  and  deter- 
men  about  ye  said  deferences:  we  doe  agree  and  determen 
as  followeth  viz. — y1  ye  bounds  betwene  ye  said  Townes  shall 
be  and  remaine  to  be  on  ye  circomference  Line:  from  Wen- 
ham  Causway  to  Ipswich  Riuer  on  Cromwells  neck  to  three 
trees  marked  nere  a rock  on  said  neck  as  ye  bounds  haue 
bene  stated  and  perrambulated  this  many  yeares  and  no  far- 
ther any  pretence  to  ye  contrary  not  with  standing:  and  y* 
what  so  euer  land  weare  formerly  granted  by  ye  towne  of 
Salem  to  any  person  or  persons  befor  ye  19th  October  1658 
which  may  fall  without  Salem  Circomference  Line  before 
mentioned  shall  be  hild  and  inioyed  quietly  and  peaceably 
by  ye  said  persons  unto  whom  ye  grants  weare  made  and  to 
thare  heires  and  asigns  for  euer  a cording  to  thare  respect- 
tiue  grants  and  bounds:  allways  prouided  that  if  any  parte 
or  parsed  of  such  lands  shall  fall  within  Salem  Circomference 
line  before  mentioned  that  then  ye  Towne  of  Topsfield  is  on- 
ly to  compleate  and  make  up  ye  remainder  of  ye  complyment 
to  ye  full  of  such  grante  and  grantes  as  they  haue  bene  laid 
out  and  bounded:  and  firther  that  all  ye  land  and  meadow 
which  lieth  betwene  Ipswich  Riuer  and  ye  afore  said  Cir- 
comference Line  granted  to  Salem  in  September  1639:  and 
after  ward  by  an  explanasion  of  said  act  in  ye  yeare  1643 
ye  same  land  was  granted  to  Topsfield  we  say  and  agree 
that  ye  Towneship  of  ye  said  land  shall  be  and  remaine  to 
Topsfield  for  euer:  thay  makeing  good  the  grants  to  pertick- 
quiller  persons  as  a fore  said:  and  this  to  be  and  remaine 
and  continew  a finall  end  isue  and  determinasion  of  all  con- 
treuersies  and  difference  betwixt  said  Townes  or  of  any  cause 
of  diferences  : In  Testimony  whare  of  we  ye  said  parties  haue 
here  unto  afixed  our  hands  and  seales:  this  14th  day  of  may 
1700  signed  seled  and  dd  in  preasence  of 

John  How  Israeli  Porter 

Ephraim  Dorman  Samuell  Gardner 

Tobiiah  Pirkins  Stephen  Sewell 

Joseph  Towne  Samuell  Browne 

John  Trask 
Joseph  Putnam 


John  Higinson  iunr 
Daniell  Epes 


I 10 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


Copia  vera  compred  with  ye  origenall  as  it  is  here  entered 
atest  Ephraim  Dorman — Tovvne  Clarke  for  Topsfield. 

At  a lawfull  meeting  of  ye  proprietors  and  Commoners  of 
ye  Towne  of  Topsfield:  ye  10th  march  1696  or  7 it  was  or- 
dered yt  no  wood  shall  be  fallen  on  ye  south  side  of  ye  Riuer 
on  ye  Common  for  fire  wood  : and  no  trees  shall  be  fallen 
on  ye  north  side  of  ye  Riuer  on  Topsfield  Common  for  fire 
wood  under  a foot  and  halfe  ouer  except  in  birch  maple  and 
popler  on  both  sides  of  ye  Riuer:  and  no  timber  to  be  falen 
on  either  sids  of  ye  Riuer  with  out  leaue  from  y®  maior  parte 
of  ye  Selectmen  and  who  soeuer  shall  fall  wood  or  timber 
contrary  to  ye  orders  abouesaid  shall  pay  ye  sum  of  ten  shil- 
lings per  tree  to  be  recouered  by  ye  Selectmen  and  euery 
one  are  to  take  notis  if  any  falls  trees  contrary  to  ye  orders 
abouesaid  and  thay  are  to  informe  ye  Selectmen:  and  ye  in- 
formers shall  haue  halfe  ye  fine  for  thare  paines:  and  ye 
other  halfe  of  ye  fine  as  abouesaid  to  be  disposed  of  as  ye 
Towne  shall  giue  order:  and  firther  who  euer  haue  liberty 
as  aboue  said  for  falling  timber  shall  be  in  ioyned  to  take  ye 
wholl  top  away  in  two  months  on  the  pennallty  for  falling 
trees  as  aboue  said  to  be  recouered  as  aboue  said  and  those 
orders  shall  continew  inforse  till  ye  proprietors  shall  pass  fir- 
ther orders  on  ye  same  acount  uoted 

copia  uera  compared  as  it  stands  on  Topsfield  Towne  Rec- 
ords atest  Ephraim  Dorman  Towne  Clarke  for  Topsfield. 

at  a lawfull  meeting  of  ye  Towne  of  Topsfield  y®  5th  day 
march  1699  or  1700  The  Towne  haue  renewed  ye  former  or- 
ders about  wood  [107]  and  Timber  as  was  made  ye  10th, 
march  1696  or  7 

copia  vera  taken  out  of  Topsfield  Tovvne  Records  atest 
Ephraim  Dorman  Towne  Clarke  for  Topsfield 

At  a Generali  Seasions  of  ye  Peace  houlden  at  Ipswich 
march  2ytlid:  1700  ye  aboue  By  laws  weare  read  considered 
and  a lowed  atest  Steuen  Sewill  Clarke 

Copia  vera  compared  atest  Ephraim  Dorman  Towne 
Clarke  for  Topsfield 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


I I I 

At  a lawfull  Towne  meting  of  ye  Towne  of  Topsfield  ye 
28  day  of  august  1700  Sarg1  Samuell  Standly  is  Chosen  a 
schooll  master  as  ye  law  directs  uoted 

The  Towne  haue  giuen  full  power  to  ye  Selectmen  to  call 
all  ye  Cunstable  to  an  acount  as  are  defecttiue  and  haue  not 
clered  with  mr  Capen  upon  ye  a count  of  the  Rate  as  ware 
Commited  to  ym  to  gather  and  pay  to  mr  Capen  uoted 

The  Towne  haue  ordered  y1  ye  Towne  orderes  in  ye  old 
Towne  Book  as  giues  power  to  Rate  wast  land : shall  be 
transscribed  in  to  ye  new  Towne  Book  voted 

The  Towne  haue  Chosen  Cap1  Gould  and  Leiuet  Thomas 
Baker  and  Ephraim  Dorman  to  meet  ye  gentlemen  apointed 
by  ye  Honered  genarall  Courte  to  com  and  vew  ye  farmes 
as  Boxford  Claimes  and  to  act  in  ye  Towns  behalfe  on  y1  a • 
count  voted 

Capt  John  Gould  and  Isaac  Pabody  are  Chosen  to  sarue 
on  ye  Jury  of  Triads  at  ye  next  County  Court  to  behoulden 
at  Newbury  on  ye  last  tuseday  of  next  September  uoted 

At  a lawfull  Towne  meeting  ye  17th  of  december  1700 
Ephraim  Dorman  being  implyed  in  ye  Townes  behalfe  con- 
serning  Ipswich  Salem  and  Boxford  in  time  and  righting  the 
Towne  alows  fiftene  shillings  voted 

and  quortermaster  Pirkins  his  bill  of  , charge  of  seauen 
pound  eightene  shilings  and  eight  pence  is  a lowed  voted 

and  Cap1  Gould  is  alowed  for  his  Time  with  ye  gentlemen 
as  came  from  ye  Genarall  Court  a bout  Boxfords  petesion  a 
bout  mr  Endicuts  farme  and  Cap1  Goulds  farm  and  also  for 
wrightings  twelue  shilings  voted 

and  Leiu1  Baker  is  alowed  six  shilings  for  his  time  aboue 
said  voted 

and  Capt  Hows  Bill  of  charge  about  publick  bisnes  is  a 
lowed  which  is  one  pound  fiftene  shillings  and  eight 
pence  voted 

and  Corp11  Joseph  is  a lowed  two  shilings  voted 


I 12 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


and  Ens  Howlet  is  a lowed  fower  shilings  voted 

The  Towne  hath  freed  James  Waters  from  all  Rate  as  long 
as  he  Hues  voted 

The  Towne  haue  agreed  to  repaire  ye  meeting  house  for 
our  preasent  conueniance  uoted 

At  a lawfull  meeting  of  ye  Towne  of  Topsfield  ye  14th  of 
January  1700  or  1701  ye  maior  part  of  ye  Towne  declared 
that  thay  ware  for  haueing  the  new  meeting  house  plased  on 
ye  plaine  by  mr  Capens  voted 

and  the  Towne  did  agree  to  build  a new  meeting  house  by 
a maior  part  voted 

[108]  Leiut  Thomas  Baker  and  Cap*  John  How  and  quor- 
termaster  Pirkins  are  chosen  to  goe  to  Ipswich  to  see  if  thay 
can  preuaile  with  Ipswich  to  fauer  thare  inhabitence  in  thare 
Rates  as  are  constent  partakers  of  ye  worship  of  God  in  our 
Towne  that  thay  may  be  in  corridged  to  be  helpfull  to  us  as 
to  ye  minisetry  voted 

ye  Towne  haue  agreed  to  buld  ye  new  meeting  house  two 
and  forty  foot  wide  and  four  and  forty  foot  long  voted 

The  Towne  haue  chosen  Leiut  Baker  and  quortermaster 
Pirkins  and  Sarg*  Ridingtun  a commity  to  agree  with  a car- 
pender  a bute  bulding  a new  meeting  house  voted 

At  a lawfull  Towne  meeting  ye  10th  of  fabruary  1700  or 
1701  it  was  agreed  to  giue  full  power  to  a Commity  to  agree 
with  ye  Indians  as  lays  claime  to  our  lands  voted 

Cap1  John  Gould  and  Leiut  Thomas  Baker  and  Capt  John 
How  and  Ens  Samuell  Howlet  and  Isaac  Pabody  are  Chosen 
and  haue  full  power  in  ye  behalfe  of  ye  Towne  to  agree  with 
the  Indians  as  lays  Claime  to  our  Lands  voted 

Leiut  Thomas  Baker  is  Chosen  and  fully  impowered  in  ye 
behalfe  of  ye  Towne  to  demande  and  Reseiue  ye  mony  as  was 
contrebuted  for  ye  redemsion  of  John  Heard  and  neuer  was  im- 
proued  for  y*  eand  and  ye  mony  remaining  in  Leiut  John 
Pabodys  hand  and  ye  said  Baker  is  to  rescue  ye  said  mony 
for  ye  Towns  use  voted 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


13 


At  a lawfull  Town  meting  the  4 of  march  1700  or  1701 
Lef4  Ephriam  Dorman  is  chosen  Towne  dark  for  the  yere 
insuing  voted 

Ebineser  Auerill  is  chosen  Constable  for  ye  yeare  insew- 
ing voted 

Capt  John  How  and  sargent  Samuell  Standly  and  Elisha 
Pirkins  and  Jacob  Towne  iunr  and  Ephraim  Dorman  Senr  are 
chosen  Selectmen  for  ye  yeare  ensewing  to  order  ye  pruden- 
siall  afairs  of  ye  Towne  uoted 

The  Towne  haue  agreed  y4  all  wast  land  in  ye  Towne  shall 
be  Rated  to  Towne  Rates  and  minnisters  Rates  and  it  is  to 
be  ualewed  at  four  pounds  pir  score  voted 

The  Towne  haue  agreed  y4  quortermaster  Pirkins  Repre- 

sentatiue  is  to  haue  two  pounds  siluer  as  is  in  Leiut  Bakers 
hand  as  he  reseued  of  ye  Leiut  Pabody  for  ye  Townes  use  and 
ye  said  mony  is  to  be  disconted  with  ye  Reppresentatiue  for 
his  saruse  at  court  uoted 

The  Towne  hath  ordered  Leiut  Baker  to  diliuer  forty 
shilings  of  ye  Townes  mony  as  is  in  his  hand  to  Quorter- 
master Pirkins  voted 

Sargt  John  Auerill  and  Daniell  Clark  and  John  Houey 
iunr  are  chosen  Tithing  men  for  ye  yeare  ensewing  voted 

Samuell  Towne  and  Timmothy  Pirkins  iunr  and  Joseph 
Towne  ye  third  are  chosen  sirueyers  for  high  ways  for  ye 
yeare  ensewing  voted 

and  Ephraim  Wilds  is  chosen  Sirueyor  with  ye  other 
named  voted 

Sarg4  John  Gould  and  William  Smith  are  chosen  fence 

uewers  for  ye  yeare  enswing  voted 

Sargt  John  Houey  and  Sarg4  Daniell  Ridingtun  are  Chosen 
to  sarue  on  ye  Jury  of  triads  at  next  County  Court  to  be 
houlden  at  Ipswich  uoted 


Sargt  Thomas  Dorman  is  chosen  gran  Jury  man  for  ye 
yere  ensewing  voted 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


114 

The  Towne  haue  declared  by  uote  y*  Quortermaster  Pir- 
kins  shall  procure  of  .ye  Honnored  Generali  Winthrup  a 
coppy  of  ye  deed  as  ye  Honored  Gouernor  Winthrup  had  of 
ye  Saggemore  of  agowam  voted 

The  Towne  haue  agreed  to  pay  all  in  mony  for  what  ye  Com- 
mity  shall  agree  with  a carpender  or  carpenders  for  bulding 
, a new  meeting  hous  for  our  Towne  as  was  formerly  uoted  ye 
first  third  is  to  be  payd  next  mickell  muss:  and  the  next 
third  ye  next  mikell  mus  com  twelue  month  and  ye  last  third 
ye  next  mikell  mus  com  two  yeare  from  ye  dat  here  of  all  to 
be  paide  in  current  mony  of  new  England  uoted 

[109]  The  Towne  hath  made  choyce  of  Sargent  Houey 
and  Ephraim  Dorman  senr  to  exchang  a small  parsell  of  land 
with  Jacob  foster  y*  is  common  land  of  our  Towne  for  so 
much  of  his  land  voted 

Boston  July  11th  1700  Reseued  of  mr  John  Comings  Con- 
stable of  Topsfield  by  ye  hand  of  Mr  Daniell  Clarke  Twenty 
two  pounds  ninetene  shillings  in  parte  of  a warrent  for  twenty 
four  pounds:  Reseued  for  mr  James  Tailer  Treasurer  22:19 

Jer:  alline 

copia  vera  compared  and  entred  by  me  Ephraim  Dormon 
Town  Clarke  for  Topsfield 

Boston  Sept-i6th  1700  Reseiued  of  mr  John  Comings 
Constable  of  Topsfield  twenty  one  shilling  in  full  of  ye  wor- 
rent  for  twenty  four  pounds  by  ye  hand  of  mr  Daniell 
Clarke:  for  mr  James  Tayler  Treasurer 

per  Dauid  Jenner 

copia  vera  compared  and  entred  per  me  Ephraim  Dorman 
Towne  Clarke  for  Topsfield 

Boston  Janu-ye  18th  1700  Reseued  of  mr  John  comings 
Constable  of  Topsfield  forty  eight  pounds  by  ye  hand  of  mr 
Daniell  Clarke:  being  in  full  of  a worrent  for  ye  like  sum  for 
mr  James  Tayler  Treusurer — 

per  Jer:  alien 

copia  vere  compared  and  entered  per  me  Ephraim  Dorman 
Towne  clarke  for  Topsfield 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


115 

Ephraim  Dorman  being  chosen  Towne  Clarke  was  sworne 
to  ye  faithfull  discharg  of  yt  place  before  ye  Honered  Co11 
Wanright  ye  IIth  of  January  1700  or  1701  Sargt  John  Auer- 
ill  and  Daniell  Clarke  and  John  Houey  iun  took  ye  oath  of 
Tithingmen:  and  Ephraim  Wilds  and  Samuell  Towne  and 
Joseph  Towne  ye  third  took  ye  oath  of  sirueyers  of  highways  : 
and  Sarg4  John  Gould  and  William  Smith  took  ye  oath  of 
fence  uewers  those  ware  sworne  by  ye  Selectmen  of  Tops- 
field  ye  17th  of  march  1700 — 1701 

at  alawfull  Towne  meeting  ye  24  march  1700  or  1701 
Corp11  John  Curtious  and  Joseph  Towne  senr  are  chosen  to 
see  y4  ye  order  for  ye  preseruasion  of  wood  and  timber  be 
kept  on  ye  south  side  of  Reuer  and  Sarg4  John  Auerill  and 
Thomas  Dorman  iunr  are  chosen  to  see  y4  ye  order  for  ye 
preseruasion  of  wood  and  timber  be  kept  on  ye  north  side  of 
ye  Reuer  voted 

Sargt  John  Houey  is  Chosen  to  prefer  ye  Towne  order  for 
Rateing  wast  land  to  haue  it  Confirmed  at  ye  Honered  Courte 
to  be  houlden  at  Ipswich  which  is  ye  next  inferyor  Court  of 
pleas  voted 

and  the  Towne  haue  agreed  y4  ye  Selectmen  shall  dispose 
of  ye  parsonage  house  all  or  any  parte  of  it  for  ye  use  of  ye 
Towne  voted 

Leiut  Baker  and  Ephraim  Dorman  are  Chosen  to  vew 

land  as  John  Houey  iunr  desirous  to  exchang  with  ye  Towne 
and  to  make  report  of  ye  same  to  ye  Towne  voted 

may  ye  2:  1701  acording  to  ye  Towne  order  we  haue 
exchanged  a bout  an  aker  of  Topsfield  common  for  an  aker 
of  Jacob  ffoster  his  land  that  now  his  land  by  his  house  is 
bounded  by  Topsfield  Common  begining  at  a read  oake 
tree  marked  with  stones  at  it : on  ye  north  side  of  ye  ford  by 
Thomas  Pearlyes  house:  so  on  a straight  line  westwardly  to 
a white  oake  marked  with  stons  at  it:  from  thence  norwest- 
wardly  to  an  other  whit  oake  marked  with  stones  at  it:  and 
so  on  a line  to  a stake  with  stones  at  it:  and  on  a line  north- 
eastwardly to  a stake  with  stones  at  it:  standing  in  Ipswich 
Line  Ephraim  Dorman  senr 

John  Houey  senr 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


1 1 6 

I am  fully  satisfied  with  what  you  haue  dun  as  witnes  my 
hand  Jacob  ffoster 

copia  vera  compared  atest  Ephraim  Dorman  Towne  Clarke 
for  Topsfield 

[no]  At  a lawfull  meeting  ye  5th  of  may  1701  as  ye  law 
directs  Quartermaster  Pirkins  is  Chosen  Representatiue  to 
sarue  at  ye  next  Genarall  Court  to  be  houlden  at  Boston 

voted 

Capt  Gould  and  Quorr  Tobiiah  Pirkins  and  sargt  John 
Houey  and  sargt  Daniell  Redington  and  Ephraim  Dorman  are 
chosen  a commity  and  haue  full  power  giuen  them  to  agree 
with  Boxford  or  men  in  thare  Towns  behalfe  to  put  a finall 
iseue  to  all  deferences  about  land  in  contreuersy  and  to  set- 
tle bounds  betwene  said  Towns  uoted 

ye  Towne  haue  agreed  y4  in  case  ye  commityes  of  Tops- 
field  and  Boxford  doe  not  agree  about  lands  in  contreuersy  : 
then  Topsfield  commity  are  to  procure  an  artis  to  run  ye 
lines  a cording  to  Court  Grants  and  to  draugh  a drft  for  a 
plaine  explainasion  thare  of  to  informe  ye  Honered  Court  of 
ye  same  voted 

At  a lawfull  Towne  meeting  ye  24th  of  June  1701  the 
Towne  did  agree  that  y4  ye  charge  as  did  arise  about  a gree- 
ing  with  ye  indians  a bout  ye  lands  of  our  Towne  of  Tops- 
field shall  be  raised  on  ye  lands  in  our  Towne  only  voted 

At  a lawfull  meeting  of  ye  Towne  of  Topsfield  ye  19th  of 
Sept  1701  Capt  John  Gould  and  Capt  John  How  are  chosen 
to  sarue  on  ye  Jury  of  triads  at  ye  next  County  Court  to  be 
houlden  at  Nubary  voted 

Sargent  Samuell  Standly  being  chosen  schoole  master  for- 
merly and  now  confermed  by  uote  in  ye  pice:  and  also  for 
ye  better  incorridgment  of  him  in  ye  place  The  Towne 
haue  agreed  to  giue  him  fiue  pounds  in  siluer  for  this  next 
yeare  ensewing  besides  euery  one  alowing  for  thare  childrens 
learning  voted 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


II  7 

At  a lawfull  Towne  meeting  ye  31  of  October  1701  capt 
John  How  is  chosen  to  sarue  on  ye  Jury  of  Tryalls  at  ye  next 
superyor  Court  at  Salem  voted 

mr  Timmothy  Pirkins  is  chosen  a Grand  Jury  man  to  sarue 
at  ye  next  Suprior  Court  at  Salem  voted 

At  a lawful  Towne  meeting  ye  2 day  of  december  1701  it 
was  agreed  upon  that  ye  Towne  doth  leue  it  with  ye  Select- 
men to  raise  ye  Meeting  house  Rate  acording  to  thare  best 
descreasion  haueing  respect  to  ye  law  conserning  heads  and 
incum  in  a espeasiall  maner  voted 

know  all  cristian  people  by  thes  preasents  that  whareas  I 
Samuell  Inglish  Indian  Heir  to  Musquanomenit  Sagamore  of 
Agawom  for  and  in  considerasion  of  three  pounds  in  mony 
in  hand  payd  to  my  full  satisfaction  doe  absolutly  quit 
claime  to  ye  Towne  of  Topsfield  of  all  my  right:  that  I haue 
had  or  euer  might  haue  had  : within  ye  bounds  or  limmits 
of  ye  Towne  of  Topsfield : as  it  hath  bene  by  Genarell  Court 
established  and  to  which  land  by  vertue  of  my  aforesaid 
heirship  I doe  look  upon  my  self  as  the  rightful!  owner  of: 
also  I doe  hereby  oblidge  my  selfe  Heirs  Executers  : &c  : to 
ye  Towne  of  Topsfield  to  defend  them  in  thare  posestion  and 
in  Joyment  of  ye  aforesaid  said  premises  for  euer  and  to  bare 
them  harmless  and  in  damnifye  from  any  other  persons 
whatsoeuer  whether  English  or  Indian  that  shall  lay  anny 
claime  to  ye  premisis  or  any  part  thare  of  that  hather  to  bene 
improued  or  posesed  by  ye  Towne  aforesaid  : by  vertue  of 
any  Indian  title  or  conueyence  I ye  aforesaid  Samuell  English 
doe  a gaine  declare  that  in  considerasion  of  three  pounds 
corrent  mony  in  hand  paid  by  a committy  apointe  by  ye 
Towne  of  Topsfield  to  agree  with  mee  in  behalfe  of  said 
Towne  : doe  for  my  selfe  and  Heirse  &c : renounce  and  Re- 
linguish : all  my  reall  or  soposed  Right  with  in  ye  limmits  a- 
foresaid  : and  doe  hereby  confirme  to  ye  committy  aforesaid  : 
in  behalfe  of  said  Towne  and  to  thare  Heirs  &c : for  euer: 
(ye  names  of  y*  comity  being  Cap1  John  Gould  Leiu1  Thomas 
Baker  Cap1  John  How  En8  Samuell  Howlet  and  Isaac  Pa- 
body)  ye  afore  said  premises:  and  y1  it  shall  be  lawfull  to 
and  for  ye  said  Towne  for  euer  here  after  to  haue  hould 


1 18 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


quietly  and  peaceably  in  Joy  ye  [ill]  ye  premises  thay 
thare  heirs  Executors  Administrators  and  asigns  foreuer  in 
testimony  whare  of  I ye  said  Samuell  English  haue  here  vn- 
to  set  my  hand  and  seale:  this  twenty  eight  day  of  march 
anno  doming  one  thousand  seuen  hundred  and  one : and 
in  ye  thirtenth  yeare  of  his  maiastie’s  Reigne  William  the 
third  of  England  &c 

signeed  sealed  and  diliuered 
in  ye  preasence  of  witnesses 
Joseph  Capen 
John  Pricherd 
Nathaniell  Pearly 

Ipswich  may  ye  fortenth 
Samuell  English  personally  apered  and  acknowlidged  this 
instrement  to  be  his  free  act  and  deede  be  for  mee 

John  Appleton  : Justis  of  ye  peace 

copia  vera  compared  and  entred  per  me  Ephraim  Dor- 
man Towne  Clark  for  Topsfield 

At  a Genarell  Court  held  at  Boston  13th  of  ye  first  month 
1638  Maschannomet  the  Sagamore  of  aggawam  acknowl- 
idged that  hee  had  reseiued  twenty  pounds  of  Mr  John  Win- 
throp  iunr  for  all  his  lands  in  Ipswich  for  which  he  acknowl- 
idged himselfe  fully  satisfyed  as  in  the  courte  Book  of  Reacord 
at  that  time  doth  apere  first  Book  page  240  as  atest  Edwerd 
Rawson  Seacretary 

At  a Genarell  Court  held  at  Boston  on  ye  1 5th  day  of  fabru- 
ary  1682  capt  Waite  Winthrop  son  of  John  Winthrop  aboue 
mentioned  and  one  of  his  Exerers  presented  y*  Originall  bill 
of  sale  to  his  late  father  from  said  Maschannomet  his  hand 
to  the  Gouerner  and  maiastrets  then  in  Court  desireing  it 
might  be  recorded  which  being  granted  by  ye  Court  is  as 
foloweth — 

I mascannomet  Sagamore  of  aggawam  doe  by  these 
preasents  acknowlidg  to  haue  reseiued  of  mr  John  Winthrop 
the  sum  of  twenty  pounds  in  full  satisfaction  of  all  ye  right 
property  and  claime  I haue  or  ought  to  haue  vnto  all  ye  land 
lying  and  being  in  ye  Bay  of  Aggawam  alias  Ipswich  being 


ye  mark  of  ^ Pmglish 


day  1701  then  ye  a boue  said 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


I 19 

so  called  now  by  ye  English:  as  well  all  such  land  as  I for- 
merly reseued  unto  my  owne  vse  at  chibacko  as  also  all  other 
land  belonging  unto  me  in  those  partes:  mr  Dumers  farme 
exsepted  only:  and  I here  by  relinguish  all  ye  right  and  in- 
trest  I haue  unto  all  ye  hauens  Riuers  cricks  Hands  hunt- 
ings and  fishings  with  all  ye  woods  swamps  timber  and  what- 
soeuer  else  is  or  may  be  in  or  upon  y*  said  ground  to  me 
belonging:  and  I doe  hereby  acknowlidg  to  haue  resecueed 
full  satisfaction  from  y®  said  John  Winthrope  for  all  former 
agreements  touching  ye  premisies  or  any  parte  of  them  and  I 
doe  hereby  binde  myselfe  to  make  good  y®  fore  said  bargaine 
and  sale  unto  ye  said  John  Winthrop  his  heirs  and  asigns 
foreuer  and  to  secure  him  against  the  title  and  claime  of  all 
other  Indians  and  natines  what  so  euer  witnes  my  hand  this 
28th  June  1638 

Mascannomet 

witnes  hereunto  f* 

John  Joyliffe  Thomas  Coytimore  his  V mark 

James  Dowing  Robart  Harding  " 

This  Deed  aboue  writen  so  signed  and  witnesed : being 
compared  with  y®  originall  word  for  word  stands  here  thus 
entred  and  recorded  at  y®  request  of  sd  Cap1  Waite  Winthrop 
this  15th  day  of  fabruary  1682  as  atest  Edward  Rausen 
seacretary 

A true  Copy  as  a peres  in  y®  Records  of  y®  Genarall  Court 
— Exammoned 

per  Isaac  Addington  seacretary 

copia  vera  compared  atest  Ephraim  Dorman 

Towne  Clarke  for  Topsfield 

[1 12]  At  a lawfull  Towne  meeting  y*  20th  day  of  January 
1701  or  2 it  was  a greed  upon  y1  ye  Pulpit  shall  be  placed  on 
ye  north  side  of  ye  new  meeting  house  voted 

and  ye  Towne  did  agree  y1  y®  seats  shall  be  plased  after  y® 
maner  as  thay  be  placed  in  Rowly  meeting  house  and  y®  hue 
seates  before  y®  Pulpit  is  to  be  sixtene  foot  long  voted 

and  mr  capens  pue  is  to  be  placed  next  the  pulpit 
stairs  voted 


120  EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 

At  a lawfull  Towne  meeting  ye  3d  of  march  1701  or  2 
sarg4  Samuell  Standly  is  chosen  Towne  Clarke  for  ye  yeare 
ensewing  voted 

John  Robison  senr  is  chosen  constable  for  ye  yeare  ensew- 
ing voted 

corp11  Joseph  Towne  and  Sarg4  Samuell  Standly  and  mr 
Timmothy  Pirkins  and  Isaac  Pabody  and  Sarg4  John  Gould 
are  Chosen  Selectmen  for  ye  yeare  insewing  voted 

Daniell  clarke  is  chosen  gran  Juryman  for  ye  yere  ensew- 
ing voted 

Elisha  Pirkins  and  Sarg4  John  Auerill  are  chosen  to  sarue 
on  y®  Jury  of  triads  of  ye  next  Court  to  behoulden  at  Ips- 
wich voted 

beniamen  Easty  and  John  Borman  and  Thomas  Gould  and 
John  Nickalls  and  Timmothy  Pirkins  junier  are  chosen  seru- 
eiers  for  ye  yere  ensewing  voted 

Thomas  Pirkins  and  corp11  Jacob  Towne  and  Joseph  Bor- 
man are  chosen  Tithingmen  for  ye  yere  ensewing  voted 

John  Houey  iunr  and  Thomas  Robison  and  John  ffrench 
Juner  are  Chosen  fence  uewers  for  ye  yere  ensewing  voted 

The  Towne  haue  left  it  to  ye  Selectmen  to  make  orders 
aboute  ye  Rames  voted 

May:  16:  1701  then  or  before  I had  resiued  ye  full  of 
what  was  due  to  mee:  on  rate  acount  in  pay  and  mony  for 
y®  yeare  1691  which  was  commited  to  constable  clarke  for 
said  yere  togather  I say  resiued  ye  full  per  mee  Joseph  Capen 

Topsfield  May  ye  16  1701  Copia  vera  compared  atest 
Ephraim  Dorman  Towne  Clark  for  Topsfield 

Samuel  Stanley  being  chosen  Town  Clark  was  Sworn  to 
the  faithful  discharge  of  that  place  before  ye  Honrd  Colo11 
Apleton:  ye  5th  day  of  march  1701  or  2 

Benjemen  Esty  and  Thomas  Gould  and  John  Nichols  and 
John  Borman  and  Timothy  Perkins  took  the  oath  of  sur~ 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


I 2 I 


veycrs  of  high  waves  and  Thomas  Perkins  and  Corp11  Jacob 
Town  and  Joseph  Borman  took  the  oath  of  tything  men,  and 
John  Hovey  Junr  and  John  french  Junr  took  the  oath  of 
fence  veiwers,  and  Thomas  Robinson  took  ye  oath  of  a fence 
veiwer  these  were  Sworn  before  the  Selectmen  of  Topsfield 
ye  tenth  day  of  march:  1702  atest  Samuel  Stanley  Town 
Clark  for  Topsfield 

At  a Lawfull  meeting  of  the  Town  of  Topsfield  march  the 
17th  1702  Nathaniel  Avirill  was  Chosen  then  Constable  for 
the  Town  of  Topsfield  for  the  year  Insueing  and  sworn 
by  Sam  Stanley  Town  Clerk  voted 

At  a Lawfull  meeting  of  the  Town  of  Topsfield  march  ye 
17th  1702  Thomas  Town  and  Mickill  Dwanill  were  chosen  to 
see  that  no  timber  be  tooke  off  of  the  Common  next  to  wen- 
ham  bounds  voted 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  ye  Town  of  Topsfield  the  2d 
Day  of  March:  \yo\  The  Town  agreed  that  no  Man  in  the 
Town  shall  cut  down  any  Trees  upon  our  Town  Common 
untill  further  order,  on  ye  penalty  of  Twenty  Shillings  per 
Tree  voted 

[ 1 1 3]  At  a Lawfull  meeting  of  ye  freeholders  and  others  of 
Topsfield  allowed  by  law  the  6th  day  of  May  1702  Lieut  Ephrim 
Dorman  is  chosen  Representitive  to  serve  at  ye  General  Court 
to  be  holden  at  Boston  one  ye  27th  day  of  may  Instant  voted 

Ensyne  Samuel  Howlet,  and  Sarg1  John  Hovey  are  chosen 
to  serve  one  the  gran  Jury  at  the  Superiour  court  to  be  held 
at  Ipswich  one  ye  18th  of  may  Instant:  and  Lieut  Thomas 
Baker,  and  Thomas  Perly  are  Chosen  to  serve  one  ye  Jury  of 
trials  at  ye  Same  Court  voted 

At  a meeting  of  the  Selectmen  of  Topsfield  May  6 1702 
haue  apointed  and  Impowered  Mr  Isaac  Pebody,  Elisha  Per- 
kins and  Thomas  Town  to  goe  one  parambulation  with 
such  of  wenham  as  are  apointed  for  that  End  one  the  bounds 
between  wenham  and  Topsfield  and  to  meet  one  ye  18th  of 
may  Ins1  at  ten  of  the  clok  in  fore-noon  at  the  west  End  of 
wenham  Casway 


122 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


Copia  vera  atcst  Samuel  Stanley  Town  Clark  for  Topsfield 
Samuel  Stanley  in  ye  name  of  ye  rest  of  ye  selectmen  of 
Topsfield 

At  a Lawfull  meeting  of  the  Town  of  Topsfield  may  18th 
1702  Quar*  mas*  Perkins  Lieut  Ephrim  Dorman  and  Isaac 
Pebody  and  Nathaniel  Avirill  & Sarg1  John  Gould;  are 
Chosen  a commitie  to  meet  with  boxford  Commitie  to  settle 
the  bounds  between  our  Towns  according  to  General  Court 
Grant  voted 

The  Town  agreed  to  prefere  a petition  to  the  General 
Court  provided  the  commities  doe  not  agree  voted 

The  Town  have  agreed  to  and  Impowered  Lieu1  Ephraim 
Dorman  and  ye  Selectmen  to  prefer  a petition  to  the  Hond 
General  Court  in  behalfe  of  ye  town  for  a further  hearing  of 
ye  case  between  Boxford  and  Topsfield  voted 

Nathaniel  Avirell  & Corp11  Daniel  Clark  & Ensn  Jacob 
Town  and  Ephrim  Willd  and  Isaac  Pebody  are  Chosen  to 
rune  the  Line  and  renew  the  bounds  between  the  Cowe 
Common  and  the  Lots  voted 

The  Selectmen  are  to  see  after  Incroachments  upon  the 
Common  voted 

At  a Meeting  of  the  Selectmen  of  Wenham  Aprill  25  1702 
they  then  apointed  that  our  Town  bounds  between  our  Town 
& Topsfield  be  perambulated  & renewed  one  the  18th  day 
may  next  Insuing  at  ten  of  y*  clok  in  y*  fore-noon  if  it  be 
fair  wether  but  if  it  be  fowle  wether  then  one  ye  next  faire  day 
at  the  Same  hour  of  the  day  and  to  meet  at  the  west  end  of 
wenham  Causway  and  Joseph  Herick  and  Theophelos  Rix 
and  Samuel  ffiske  or  any  two  of  them  are  appointed  to  meet 
with  such  of  Topsfield  as  shall  be  sent  to  performe  said 
work  by  order  of  ye  Selectmen  Tho8  ffiske  Clark 

Copia  vera  atest  Sam11  Stanley  Town  Clark  for  Topsfield 

We  whose  names  are  under  writen  being  appointed  to 
meet  with  such  of  Topsfield  as  were  appointed  for  to  renew 
y*  bounds  betwixt  each  Town  and  have  renewed  the  bounds 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


23 


as  have  bin  Renewed  according  to  agreement  the  18th  of 
May  1705 


Copia  vera  attests  Samuel  Stanley  Recorder  for  Topsfield 

At  a meeting  of  the  Selectmen  of  Topsfield  June  ye:  3: 
1702  did  then  appoint  Sarg*  John  Gould  and  Samuel  Stan- 
ley Senr  to  lay  out  a way  from  ye  new  meeting  House  to 
Mr  Capens  Causway  which  accordingly  we  have  done.  John 
Gould : Samuel  Stanley 

Attests  Samuel  Stanley  Towne  Clark 

At  a lawful  meeting  of  ye  Town  of  Topsfield  June  y*  8th 
1702  the  Town  then  agreed  that  y*  new  Meeting  House 
should  be  set  upone  ye  hill  which  is  Leveled  for  that  End, 
which  is  one  the  plane  by  Mr  Capens  voted 

ffeb.  26th  170.]  then  I Received  of  Joseph  Borman  Cun- 
stable  for  ye  year  1698  what  was  due  to  me  one  Rate  ac- 
count for  y*  said  year  and  was  commited  to  him  by  y*  Select 
of  Topsfield  for  said  year,  to  gather  I say  then  or  before 
Received  the  full  of  what  was  due  to  me  one  Rate  account 
by  me  Joseph  Capen 

Copia  vera  attes*  Samll  Stanley  Town  Clark  for  Topsfield 

[ 1 1 4]  At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  y®  Inhabitants  of  y® 
Town  of  Topsfield  July  31  1702  the  Town  then  agreed  and 
gave  Lieu1  Ephrim  Dorman  full  power  to  Employ  an 
atturney  or  atturneys  as  may  be  needful  for  managing  the 
Case  between  Boxford  and  Topsfield:  and  allso  the  Town 
Impowered  the  Selectmen  to  allow  such  money  as  they  shall 
think  needful  for  y®  carying  one  of  the  same  voted 

the  Town  agreed  that  four  front:  seats  in  the  New  Meet- 
ing-House should  be  made  about  twelve  foot  Long  voted 

At  a Lawfull  town  meeting  SeptenT  18th  1702  John  Pric- 
hit  is  chosen  to  serue  one  Jury  of  trials  at  Newbery  Court 

voted 


Isaac  Peabody 
Elisha  Perkins 
Thomas  Town 


Samuel  ffiske 
Joseph  Herick 
Theophelous  Rix 


124 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


At  a Lawfull  meeting  of  ye  Town  of  Topsfield  NovenT 
1 8th  1702  the  Town  then  agreed  to  Rate  Mr  Endicotts  farme 
as  formerly  voted 

Cap1  John  Gould  is  allowed  one  pound  & foure  shillings  for 
a Gun  which  he  bought  to  send  Nerland  out  with  : which  Gun 
is  now  apart  of  y®  Town  s[t]ock  voted 

wee  whos  Names  are  under  writen  being  sworn  to  aprise 
a Hors  taken  up  by  John  Borman:  he  is  a dark  cullered 
Hors  Branded  on  the  near  Shoulder:  and  hath  two  whit 
sadlle  spots:  and  a half  peney  cut  out  of  the  right  Ear  he  is 
thought  to  be  an  olde  Hors:  we  doe  aprise  him  at  thirty 
Shillings  in  money  Datd  the  12th  day  of  Desemr  1702 

John'How 
Timothy  Perkins 

Copia  vera  attests  Samuel  Stanley  Town  Clerk  for  Tops- 
field 

At  a Lawfull  meeting  of  the  Town  of  Topsfield  y®  17th  of 
ffebruary  1702  or  3 Capt  John  Gould  is  chosen  Represente- 
tive  to  attend  at  the  Hon’d  General  Court  to  be  holden  at 
Boston  on  the  Tenth  Day  of  March  next  Insuing  ye  Dathere 
of  voted 

At  a Lawfull  meeting  of  y®  Town  of  Topsfield  the  2 day 
march  1703  Sarg*  Samuel  Standly  was  Chosen  Towne  Clarke 
for  ye  yeare  in  sewing  voted 

Phillip  Knight  is  chosen  Constable  for  y*  year  Insuing 

voted 

Deacon  Thomas  Dorman ; Jacob  Town;  Elisha  Perkins; 
Isaac  Estey  Junr  and  Samuel  Stanley  are  Chosen  Selectmen 
for  the  year  Insuing  voted 

Michill  Dwaniell  Junr  and  Zecheus  Gould  ; Amos  Dorman 
and  Steben  Cumings  are  Chosen  Surveyors  of  high-wayes  for 
the  year  Insuing  voted 

Ephrim  Wild  and  Joseph  Town  Senr  John  Robisson  Senr 
and  Thomas  Robisson  are  Chosen  Tithing-men  for  the  year 
Insuing  voted 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


125 


Thomas  Perley  and  Thomas  Dorman  Iunr  are  Chosen 
fence  viewers  for  ye  year  Insuing  voted 

Lieut  Tobijah  Perkins  is  chosen  grand  Jury-man  for  the 
year  Isuing  voted 

Lieut  Ephrim  Dorman  and  Ebenezer  Averell  are  Chosen 
to  Serve  on  the  Jury  of  Trials  at  ye  next  Court  to  be  holden 
at  Ipswich  voted 

Samuel  Smith  & Thomas  Dwaniel ; John  Robisson  Junr 
are  Chosen  Hawards  for  the  year  Insuing  voted : Michill 
Dwaniell  & John  Town  are  chosen  hogringcrs  voted 

the  Town  agreed  that  nocman  in  ye  Town  shall  cut  down 
any-.  Trees  upon  the  Common  (on  Ether  Side  of  ye  River) 
untill  furder  order  on  ye  pennalty  of  twenty  shillings  and  ye 
one  halfe  of  ye  fine  is  to  goe  to  ye  informer  & the  other  half 
to  y*  Towns  vse  voted 

the  Town  agreed  that  Every  man  that  hath  Timber  Cut 
down  on  ye  Comon  In  a fortnight  after  ye  date  hereof  shall 
take  it  a way  or  Else  it  shall  be  forfited  voted 

cap1  John  Gould;  Jacob  Town;  Isaac  Estey;  Ephrim 
Wilde  and  Daniel  Clarke  are  chosen  to  look  after  ye  timber 
on  ye  common  both  sides  of  ye  River  to  see  that  no  more 
Timber  may  be  cut  down  on  the  Town  common:  untill  fur- 
der order  voted 

The  Surveyors  of  highwayes  fence  viewers,  & tithing-men 
chose  on  the  second  day  of  March  iJo\  for  ye  year  Insuing 
were  Sworn  to  the  faithfull  discharg  of  their  Respective  dutyes 
by  the  Selectmen  on  ye  6th  day  March  170^ 

attests  Samuel  Stanley  Town  Clark  for  Topsfield 

[115]  The  6th  Day  of  March  170I  the  selectmen  chosen 
for  that  year  took  the  Assessor  oath  before  me  Samuel  Stan- 
ley Town  Clarke:  attested  by  me  Sam11  Stanley  Town 
Clerke 

We  whos  Names  are  under  written  being  Chosen  by  y* 
Town  of  Topsfield  to  runn  the  Line  between  ye  Cowe  Com- 


126 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


mon  and  the  Lots:  we  begun  at  a great  white  oak  tree  near 
y*  River  which  is  ye  olde  bound  tree;  and  from  thence 
about  sixteen  Rod  to  a heap  of  stons  with  a stake ; and  from 
thence  to  a Red  oak  tree  which  is  the  olde  bound  tree : 
standing  abought  twenty  Rods  Esteward  from  Michill  Dwan- 
iell  Junr  house ; making  a bounds  at  Every  forty  Rods  End  ; 
this  being  the  Line  Eastwardly  then  : begining  at  ye  above 
said  red  oak  tree  to  a heap  of  stons  & a stake  about  twenty 
six  Rods  from  ye  said  Red  oak  tree : and  from  thence  to  a 
heap  of  Rokes  being  the  Reputed  bounds  between  the  Com- 
mon and  y*  Lots;  making  a bou[n]ds  at  Every  forty  Rods 
End:  and  from  thence  to  a black  oak  tree  standing  on  y* 
Ridge  between  John  Curtisis  house  and  his  sons  house ; 
making  abou[n]ds  at  Every  forty  Rods  End  ; betwixt  y*  said 
heap  of  Rocks  and  the  oak  tree;  and  from  the  above-said 
black  oak  tree  by  the  same  Rule;  we  finde  that  John  Curtis 
Senr  his  orchard  is  a littel  of  it  in  the  Common  ; and  to  run 
uppon  a straight  Line  to  Endicotts  Line  we  finde  that  ye  a- 
bove  said  Courtis  hath  taken  in  a conciderable  deale  of  the 
Common  ; we  finde  yl  John  Curtis  Junr  hath  taken  in  a Slipe 
of  Land  ; we  finde  that  Jacob  Town  Junr  hath  taken  in  a 
Slipe  of  Land;  we  finde  that  John  Perkins  hath  taken  in  a 
Slipe  of  Land  ; we  finde  that  Michill  Dwaniell  and  his  son 
hath  taken  in  a conciderable  parcell  of  Land  which  we  Judge 
is  common  and  young  Dwaniells  house  is  as  we  Judg  upon 
the  common;  and  we  find  that  Thomas  Town  hath  taken  in 
a Slipe  of  Land:  Dated  ye  Second  day  of  Desember  1702 

Jac[o]b  Town 

Daniel  Clarke 

Ephraim  Willdes 

This  is  a true  Copy  compared  and  Entred  by  me  Samuel 
Stanley  Town  Clerk  for  Topsfield 

At  a Lawfull  meeting  of  the  Town  of  Topsfield  ye  26th  of 
March  170!  the  Town  Chose  Samuel  Stanley  to  be  School- 
master for  ye  year  Insuing  and  left  it  to  the  Select- men  to 
provide  a School-House  as  soon  as  they  could  Convenient- 
ly voted 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


127 


Ephraim  W i 11  d tooke  yeoath  as  Tithingman  before  ye  Select- 
men ye  26thof  March  170! attest  Samuel  Standley  Town  dark 

At  a lawfull  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Topsfield  23  apr11  1 703 
Lieut  Thomas  Baker  is  Chosen  Commissioner  to  Joyn  with 
the  Selectmen  in  takeing  an  account  of  the  Towns  Estate  and 
to  carry  it  in  to  the  Shere  Town  voted 

Chosen  to  Parambulate  Topsfield  Line  Mr  Jonathan  Put- 
nam Mr  James  Lendall  Mr  Benjemin  Putnam  Mr  John  Pick- 
ering or  any  two  of  them  to  Meet  at  ye  House  of  Deacn 
Edward  Putnam  with  Topsfield  men  on  tusday  Aprill  ye  20 
1703  at  eight  of  the  Clock  in  the  morning;  Daniel  Epes  T. 
Clerk 

copia  vera  attests  Samuel  Stanley  clerk  for  Topsfield 

At  a Meeting  of  ye  Selectmen  of  Topsfield  Aprill  16th  1703 
then  appointed  and  Impowered  Deac  Thomas  Dorman  and 
Elisha  Perkins  & Jacob  Town  to  goe  on  Parambulation  with 
such  of  Salem  as  are  appointed  for  that  end  on  the 
bounds  between  our  Townes  and  to  meet  at  the  House  of 
Deac  Edward  Putnams — by  order  of  the  Selectmen  Samuel 
Stanley  Town  clerk 

We  whose  names  are  under  writen  being  chosen  by  ye  Town 
of  Salem  and  the  Town  of  Topsfield  to  Perambulat  on  ye  Line 
between  Salem  & Topsfield  have  accordingly  mett,  and  in  be- 
halfe  of  each  Town  owned  and  renewed  a Red  oake  Tree  with 
a heap  of  Stones  at  it:  Commonly  Called  Cromwells  Rock 
neare  the  River,  from  thence  to  a heap  of  Stones  between  three 
white  oake  Trees  by  a great  Ash  Swamp  then  to  a heap  of 
Stones  near  Nickoleses  Brook,  then  to  a Dead  Tree  with  a 
heap  of  stones  at  it  near  the  head  of  Smiths  Medow ; then  to 
a crooked  black  oake  Tree  [ 1 1 6]  near  wheel  Brook  and 
then  to  a white  oake  Tree  with  Stones  at  it  near  Wenham 
Causway — Dat  23  Apr11 1703 

Deac  Thomas  Dorman  Jonathan  Putnam 

Elisha  Perkins  John  Pickering 

Jacob  Towne  Benjemin  Putnam 

copia  vera  attest  Samuel  Stanley  Town  Clerk 


28 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  the  freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants Quallified  as  ye  Law  directs  Lieu4  Ephraim  Dorman  is 
Chosen  Representive  to  attend  at  y*  General  Court  for  ye 
year  Insuing  voted 

cap4  John  How  & Ephraim  Willd  is  chosen  to  serve  on  the 
Jury  of  Trials,  and  corp11  John  Curtis  to  Serve  on  y*  Grand 
Jury  at  Ipswich  Court  to  be  held  on  ye  3d  tuseday  of  May 
1 703  voted 

At  a meeting  of  ye  selectmen  of  Ipswich  Aprill  20-1703 
it  is  ordered  y4  ye  bounds  between  our  Town  and  Topsfield 
be  renewed  as  the  Law  directs:  the  persons  chosen  to  act 
therein  are  as  followeth : Sarg4  Samuel  Hart  Sarg4  Robart 
Lord,  Mr  Phillip  fowller  & Edward  Nealand  and  that  speedy 
notice  be  Given  to  ye  Selectmen  of  Topsfield  in  order,  to 
their  appointing  of  persons  to  Meet  and  to  act  therein,  and 
ye  Day  appointed  to  Perform  Said  work  is  on  ye  Eleveth 
Day  of  May  next  at  on  of  y*  clock  of  said  Day  The  place 
appointed  to  Meet  at  is  at  the  Hous  of  L4  Perleys,  Aprill  20 
1703  attests  Daniel  Rogers  Clerk  for  Ipswich 

We  whose  Names  are  under  writen  being  appointed  and 
Impowred  by  y*  Select-men  of  Ipswich  and  Topsfield  to 
Renew  ye  Bounds  between  Said  Towns;  accordingly  mett 
and  renewed  y*  Bounds  as  followeth;  begining  at  an  Apple 
Tree  in  Lieu4  Perleys  field  and  so  to  an  oak  with  stones  at  it ; 
accordingly  to  a white  oake  on  a hill  near  mr  Bakers  Pond 
the  Pond  being  the  Bounds  and  a Tree  marked  at  the  end  of 
ye  Pond  next  fosters  with  stones  at  it;  and  so  by  the  marked 
Trees  till  it  comes  to  mr  Symonses  farme  ; and  by  Said  farmc 
till  it  comes  to  a stake  by  or  near  mr  Winthrops  Corner  in 
the  Meadow,  and  from  said  stake  to  a stake  on  the  side  of 
an  hill  Called  Pains  hill  and  from  thence  westwardly  to  a 
stake  with  stones  at  it : near  the  Brook ; and  so  to  the  Brook 
and  as  the  Brook  runes  by  Corp11  William  Howlets  to 
Ipswich  River  this  12th  of  May  1703 

Ipswich  Topsfield 

Sarg4  Sam1  Hart  Thomas  Dorman 

Phillip  fowler  Elisha  Perkins 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


29 


Robart  Lord  Ephraim  Dorman 

John  Pangry 

Copia  vera  attests  Samuel  Stanley  Town  Cler,  for  Top 

At  a Lawfull  meeting  of  The  Town  of  Topsfield  June  ye 
18th  1703  The  Town  agreed  to  Chuse  a Commitie  to  Treat 
with  a Comitie  of  Boxford  Concerning  Setteling  a Duiding 
Line  between  Boxford  and  Topsfield  voted 

[117]  Lieu1  Ephraim  Dorman  Mr  Isaac  Peabody  Clark 
Elisha  Perkins  and  Corp11  Jacob  Town  and  Nathaniel  Averell ; 
are  chosen  a commitie  according  To  the  Advise  of  The  General 
Court  and  the  Towne  of  Topsfield  doth  Give  full  Power  To 
our  Comitie  to  Agree  wth  a commitie  of  Boxford  in  behalf 
of  Topsfield  and  Boxford  To  Determin  the  Difference  be- 
tween the  Said  Towns  if  They  Can  In  Settelling  a Division- 
al Line  between  said  Towns.  If  not  to  Chuse  Three  Able 
Men  of  the  Councel  To  Determin  The  Case;  and  our  Com- 
mitie Shall  Enter  into  Sufficient  Bond  In  the  behalf  of  our 
Town  to  Stand  to  the  Determination  of  Those  Gent11  Men 
as  above  said : Provided  Boxford  Commitie  will  doe  accord- 
ingly; and  then  the  Town  will  Stand  to  what  Comities  doth 
Therein  voted 

the  24th  of  September  1703  Deac  Thomas  Dorman  Elisha 
Perkins  Corp11  Jacob  Town  Isaac  Estey  and  Samuel  Stanley 
took  ye  oath  of  an  Assesors  for  ye  Town  of  Topsfield  before 
me  Samuel  Stanley  Town  clerk  for  Topsfield 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Topsfield  ye  5th  of 
October  1703  the  Town  agreed  that  the  new  Meeting  House 
should  be  Seated  after  the  maner  as  Ipswich  new  meeting 
House  is  seated  leavening  no  room  for  Puese  except  Mr 
Capens  Pue  voted 

the  Town  Granted  Liberty  to  People  of  the  Town  to  set 
up  Stables  for  there  Horses  on  the  back  Side  of  ye  New 
Meeting  House  provided  they  set  them  as  near  the  Swamp 
as  they  can  voted 

the  Town  agreed  that  the  Surveyers  Should  Cut  Timber 
on  the  Common  to  mend  Bridges  with  all  voted 


130 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Topsfield  the  5th  of 
November  1703,  the  Town  agreed  and  Chose  Deacn  Samuel 
Howlet  and  Lieu*  Thomas  Baker  and  Lieu1  Tobijah  Perkins; 
and  Sargn  Daniel  Redington ; and  Corp11  Joseph  Town  to 
be  a Commitie  to  Seat  people  in  the  New  Meeting  House 

voted 

the  Town  agreed  that  Mr  Tillton  should  take  down  the 
Pulpit  voted 

the  Town  agreed  that  Mr  Tillton  should  have  7 or  8 of 
the  pla[n]ck  of  ye  wimens  seats  in  the  olde  meeting  House  for 
his  charge  of  taking  down  the  Pulpit  excepting  proprieties 

voted 

the  Town  agreed  that  the  former  return  of  laying  out 
ye  highway  from  the  Bridg  ouer  the  River  up  in  to  the 
Town;  Should  be  Recorded  in  ye  Town  Book  voted 

the  Town  agreed  that  ye  Selectmen  Should  Join  with 
Lieu1  Ephraim  Dorman  to  draw  up  apetition  to  send  to  the 
General  court:  that  a Surveyor  may  be  sent  to  veiw  the 
Lands  in  contryversy  between  Boxford  and  Topsfield  voted 

The  Town  agreed  to  Adjorn  the  Meeting  down  to  the  New 
Meeting  House  voted 

The  Town  agreed  to  pass  acts  then  in  the  new  meeting 
House  voted 

The  Town  agreed  that  the  vacant  room  on  both  Sides  of 
ye  Pulpit  should  be  for  Puese  reserving  the  Right  of  ye  Room 
to  the  Town  voted 

the  Town  agreed  ; that  Mr  Baker  should  have  Liberty  to 
set  up  a Pue  behinde  Mrs  Capens  Pue  the  Town  reserving 
their  Right  in  ye  room  voted 

the  Town  agreed  that  Mr  Brodstreet  and  Lieu1  Perkins 
and  Mr  Isaac  Peabody  Should  have  Liberty  to  Set  up  three 
Puese  on  the  west  Side  of  the  Pulpit;  the  Town  reserving 
their  Right  in  the  Room  voted 

at  a lawfull  Town  meeting  3 of  December  1703  the  Town 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


13  I 

granted  Liberty  for  Piles  to  be  set  up  at  each  end  of  the 
pu[l]pit  voted 

[118]  The  Town  granted  Liberty  to  Mr  Baker  to  set 
up  a Pue  behinde  Mr8  capens  Pue  for  his  wife  and  familie 
the  Town  reserving  their  Right  in  the  room  voted 

the  Town  Granted  Liberty  to  Mr  Brodstreet  to  set  up  a 
Pue  at  the  west  end  of  the  Pulpit  and  himself  to  sit  with  his 
wife  in  the  Pue ; and  the  Town  Reserving  their  Right  in  the 
Room  voted 

[ 1 1 8]  the  Town  Granted  Liberty  to  Lieu1  Perkins  to  set 
up  a Pue  next  Mrs  Brodstreets  Pue  and  himself  to  sit  with 
his  wife  in  the  Pue  : and  the  Town  reserving  their  Right  In  the 
Room  voted 

At  a Lawfull  Town  meeting  28  of  December  1703  the 
Comitie  chosen  to  seat  People  in  the  New  meeting  House 
made  their  return  of  seating  People:  and  the  Town  did  not 
accept  of  it 

Instructions  for  the  Comitie  to  Seat  People  by  agreed  up- 
on by  the  Town;  first  men  from  Sixty  years  & upwards  to 
be  Respected  for  their  age  before  money  in  younger  men 

the  meeting  House  Rate  that  was  made  in  y*  year  1702  and 
the  Country  Rate  that  was  made  in  ye  year  1703  to  be  the 
Rul8  to  seat  the  rest  of  the  People  by 

the  Town  agreed  that  the  Instructions  aboue  written  should 
be  the  Instructions  for  the  Commitie  to  seat  People  by  voted 

the  Town  agreed  and  Chose  Sarg*  John  Gould  and  Corp11 
Jacob  Town  & Ebenezer  Averell  to  be  a Commitie  to  Joyn 
with  the  former  Commitie  in  Seating  people  voted 

at  a Lawfull  Towne  meeting  ye  7 of  march  170J  of  ye  In- 
habitanc  of  Topsfield  it  being  theire  Generali  Town  meeting 
Sargant  Standly  was  Chosen  Towne  Clarke  for  ye  yeare  in- 
sueing  voted 

Sarg*  John  Gould,  Thomas  Perley,  John  Cumings,  Eben- 
ezer Averell  and  Samuel  Stanley  are  Chosen  Selectmen  for 
the  year  Insuing  voted 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


132 

Thomas  Howlet  is  Chosen  Constable  for  the  year  Insuing 

voted 

John  Curtis,  John  Prichit,  sarg4  John  Averell  and  John 
Dwaniel  are  Chosen  Surveyers  of  high  waves  for  the  year 
Insuing  voted 

Benjemen  Bixby  senr  and  William  Smith  are  chosen  fence 
viewers  for  the  year  Insuing  voted 

Thomas  Perkins  senr  and  Corp"  John  Curtis  and  William 
Town  are  Chosen  Titheing  men  for  the  year  Insuing  voted 

Ephraim  and,  Thomas  Dwaniel  are  Chosen  Hawards  or 
field  driuers  for  ye  year  Insueing  voted 

Sarj4  John  Havey  is  Chosen  to  serve  on  ye  Jury  of  trials 
for  march  Court  voted 

Sarj4  Daniel  Redington  is  Chosen  to  serve  on  y€  Jury- 
Grand  at  Ipswich  Court  next  voted 

The  Town  Granted  to  Daniel  Waters  the  Parsonige  House  : 
the  Town  confirmed  their  former  Instructions  for  Seating 
People  voted 

the  Town  agreed  that  there  should  be  away  lay’d  out  from 
ye  Meeting-House  to  Mr  Capens  Casway  voted 

L4  Thomas  Bakers,  Ensine  Jacob  Town  and  mr  Isaac 
Peabody  are  Chosen  to  renew  and  Settel  Bounds  with  mr 
Zorobabel  Endicott  on  the  South  Side  of  ye  River  between  our 
Town  Common  and  Endcotts  medow  and  between  ye  Cow 
Common  and  the  Lots  voted 

the  Town  agreed  that  those  which  have  Cut  Trees  contry- 
rary  to  the  Town  order  should  be  fined  according  to  ye  Town 
order  voted 

the  Town  agreed  y4  those  that  have  broke  y*  sd  Town 
order  in  Cuting  Trees  contryrary  there  to  shall  be  prose- 
cuted by  the  Selectmen  according  to  Law  voted 

the  Town  agreed  that  y*  Selectmen  should  make  orders 
for  ringing  of  Hogs  and  restraining  of  Rames  voted 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


133 


the  Town  agreed  that  the  Town  order  or  By  Law:  Shall 
Still  Stand  in  force  for  y®  prohibition  of  cutting  down  any 
Trees  upon  our  Town  Common  until  furder  order  voted 

[119]  The  Town  agreed  to  defend  the  Constables  in  all 
their  Legal  Actions  with  Mr  Zorobabel  Endicott  and  John 
Keney  for  y®  recovery  of  their  Rates  to  y®  Town  voted 

the  Town  agreed  that  ye  Select-men  should  send  to  our 
Neighbors  of  Boxford  concerning  what  they  are  behinde  in 
their  Rates  with  Mr  Capen  voted 

the  Town  agreed  y1  all  y*  have  Perticuler  Rights;  as  to 
Seats  in  y®  old  Meeting  House  shall  have  liberty  to  take  them 
away  voted 

The  Town  agreed  to  sell  y®  olde  Meeting-House  to  Sarg1 
John  Gould  for  five  Pounds  in  money  voted 

The  Town  agreed  that  y®  Select-men  should  lay  out  y® 
High-way  from  the  Meeting  House  to  y®  Town  Bridge  over 
y®  River:  and  so  to  Salem  Line  voted 

The  Town  officers  sworne  for  y®  year  Insuing  to  the  faith- 
full  Discharg  of  their  Respective  offices  by  Samuel  Stanley 
Town  Clerke  for  Topsfield  the  14th  of  March  17O4 

Samuel  Stanley  being  Chosen  Town  Clerke  for  y®  year 
Insuing  was  sworn  to  faithfull  discharg  of  that  office  before 
the  Select-men  of  Topsfield  March  20th  17O4 

March  20th  the  Select-men  for  y®  year  Insuing  was  Sworn 
to  the  faithfull  discharge  of  their  places  before  me  Samuel 
Stanley  Town  Clerk  for  Topsfield 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  y®  Select-men  March  20th  17O4 
Then  appointed  Cap1  John  How  and  Samuel  Stanley  to  Re- 
new y®  Bounds  between  y®  Land  of  Zacheus  Perkins  and  y® 
Town  Common  Copia  vera  attests  Samuel  Stanley  Town 
Clerk 

We  whose  Names  are  underwriton  being  appointed  by  y® 
Select-men  to  Perambulate  and  Renew  the  Bounds  between 
y®  Land  of  Zacheus  Perkins  and  y®  Town  Common:  and 


134 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


accordingly  we  have  renewed  y®  Bounds  as  we  finde  them 
Recorded  in  our  Town  Book:  only  y®  Bounds  near  to  Ber- 
zillah  Barkers  Cornner  Seemes  to  be  demolisht  but  y®  Tree 
that  was  marked  there  we  finde  lying  upon  y*  fence  as  we 
think  John  How 

Dated  21  March  170*  Samuel  Stanley 

Copia  vera  attests  Samuel  Stanley  Topsfield  Town  Clerke. 

Boston  November  18th  1701  Received  of  Mr  Ebnezer 
Averell  Constable  of  Topsfield  Two  Pounds  in  full  of  a war- 
rant for  Forty  Six  Pounds  Sixteen  Shillings  Received  for 
Mr  James  Taylor  Treasurar  per  Jeremiah  Allene 

Copia  vera  attests  Samuel  Stanley  Town  Clerk  for  Tops- 
field 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  y®  Town  of  Topsfield  y®  Twelveth 
Day  of  May  1704  Cap1  John  How  is  chosen  to  serve  on  ye 
Grand-Jury  at  Ipswich  Court  next,  and  Sarg*  Samuel  How- 
lett  and  clarke  Elisha  Perkins  are  chosen  to  serve  on  the  Jury 
of  Trials  voted 

Sargt  John  Hovey  is  chosen  to  Represent  y®  Town  at  y® 
General  Court  to  be  kept  at  Boston  for  this  year  Insuing 

voted 

the  Town  agreed  that  y®  Selectmen  should  lay  out  a high- 
way through  the  Land  of  Zacheus  Perkins  to  Mr  Capens 
Causway  voted 

At  a Lawfull  meeting  y®  (4th)  of  5th  month;  1656  it  is 
herby  ordered  and  Granted  that  there  shall  be  a way  of  foure 
Rod  wide  from  the  forde  nigh  to  the  House  of  William 
Towne:  Through  the  Lands  of  the  sd  William  Towns,  Will- 
iam Howard,  Jacob  Town,  Edmund  Towne  and  George 
Buncker  as  it  is  layd  out  by  Francis  Pebody,  John  Reding- 
ton,  Edmun  Town,  and  William  Howard:  at  the  Request  of 
the  sd.  Town  voted 

Received  of  Ebenezer  Averell  of  Topsfield  former  Con- 
stable y®  Sum  of  Eight  Pounds  six  shillings  & six  pence: 
for  y®  year  1701  upon  y®  account  of  y®  County  of  Essex  there 
being  so  much  Comitted  to  him  to  Colect:  by  y®  Select-men 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


135 


of  Topsfield  for  said  County.  Ipswich  June  ye  7th  1704: 
per  me  John  Apleton  County  Tresurer 

Copia  vera  attest  Samuel  Stanley  Towne  Clerke  for  Tops- 
field 

[120]  At  a Leagal  Meeting  of  ye  Town  of  Topsfield  ye  9th 
of  June  1704  Sarg*  Daniel  Redington  is  Chosen  Represent- 
itive  forye  year  Insuing  voted 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  y®  Town  of  Topsfield  ye  16th  of 
June  1704  the  Town  then  agreed  and  did  chuse  Lieve*  Eph- 
raim Dorman  Deac  Samuel  Howlett,  Cler  Elisha  Perkins, 
Ephraim  Willd  and  Nathaniel  Averell  to  be  a commitie  to 
Joine  with  a commitie  of  Boxford,  to  Settle  a Divisional  Line 
between  Boxford  and  Topsfield : and  our  Town  have  given 
our  commitie  full  Power  to  Joine  with  Boxford  commitie: 
and  to  settle  a Divisional  Line  between  ye  Said  Towns;  Ify® 
said  commities  Therein  can  agree  voted 

Wee  whose  Names  are  under  writen  being  appointed  by 
y®  Selectmen  to  lay  out  a high-way  from  ye  Meeting-House 
upon  y®  common  and  through  the  Land  of  Zacheus  Perkins 
to  Mr  Capens  Causwey;  which  accordingly  wee  have  done; 
and  lay’d  out  said  way  where  y*  olde  way  before  went  to  y® 
west  end  of  Mr  Capen  causey 

Samuel  Standley 
John  Gould 

Dat  26  of  June  1704 

Copia  vera  attests  Sam11  Stanley  clerke 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  y®  Town  of  Topsfield  22  Septem- 
ber 1704  Cap*  John  How  and  Benjemen  Estey  are  Chosen 
to  Serve  on  ye  Jury  of  Trials  at  Newbery  Court  to  be  holden 
on  y®  last  TuesDay  of  this  Inst*  Septr  voted 

the  Town  agreed  to  leave  y®  mater  concerning  Mr  Page  to 
y®  Selectmen  voted 

the  Town  agreed  that  the  Stone  wall  which  is  about  y®  old 
Meeting-House  shall  not  be  medled  with  without  leave  from 
y®  Town  voted 


136  EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 

Boston  Desember  2d  1704  Received  of  Mr  Phillip  Knight 
Constable  of  Topsfield  Thirty  Seven  Pounds  Twelve  Shillings  ; 
in  part;  Received  for  Mr  James  Taylor  Treas. 

per  me  Jer  Allene 

Boston  Aprill  18th  1704  Received  of  Mr  Phillip  Knight 
Constable  of  Topsfield  forty  Nine  Pounds  Seventeene  Shill- 
ings & Six  pence  in  part:  Received  for  Mr  James  Taylor 
Treasurer 

per  Jer  Allene 

Boston  July  3 ; 1704  Received  of  Mr  Phillip  Knight  Con- 
stable of  Topsfield  ffifty-one  Pounds  Ten  Shillings  in  part 
Recd  for  my  father  James  Taylor  Treasurer 

per  James  Taylor 

Boston  September  5th  1704  Received  of  Phillip  Knight 
Constable  of  Topsfield  Twenty  four  Pounds  three  Shillings 
& 4 pence  in  pt  Received  for  my  father  James  Taylor  Treasr 

per  James  Taylor 

Boston  November  13th  1704  Received  of  Phillip  Knight 
Constable  of  Topsfield  Sixteen  Pounds  Seventeen  Shillings 
& two  pence  in  full  Received  for  Mr  James  Taylor  Treasurer. 

per  Jer  Allene 

Ipswich  Feb  3d  iyo\  Received  of  Phillip  Knight  Constable 
of  Topsd  the  sum  of  six : Pounds  ffourteen  Shillings  &:  Six 
pence  which  is  in  full  of  ye  sum  he  was  to  pay  for  y®  Coun- 
try Essex 

per  John  Appleton  County  Tresr 

The  Six  Copyes  last  above  entred  are  true  Copyes  as  at- 
tests Samuel  Stanley  Recorder  for  Topsfield 

[121]  At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  ye  Town  of  Topsfield  y® 
8th  of  Decemr  1704  the  Town  agreed  to  allow  Constable 
Knight  one  Pound  Sixteen  Shillings  and  two  pence  his  Coun- 
try Rate  being  so  much  too  short  voted 

the  Town  agreed  and  Chose  Cap4  John  Gould  and  Deac : 
Samuel  Howlett  to  be  a Commitee,  and  gave  them  full  Power 
to  act  and  vse  the  best  methods  they  can  for  the  recovering 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


37 


of  the  Arcars  of  Mr  Capens  Rates  Due  to  him  from  Boxford 

voted 

the  Town  Granted  liberty  to  Joseph  Andrew  to  get  the 
Pue  finished  which  is  in  ye  North  west  Corner  of  our  Meet- 
ing House  and  he  paying  for  ye  making  of  sd  Pue ; hath 
liberty  to  Improve  it  so  long  as  he  is  a Constant  hearer  of 
y®  word  of  God  with  us,  and  doth  yearly  pay  to  Mr  Capens 
Sallery  pay  Ten  Shillings  as  hath  promised  and  that  when 
ever  y®  sd  Andrew  doth  leave  our  Town,  the  said  Pue  is  to 
remain  to  be  disposed  of  by  the  Town  voted 

The  Town  agreed  to  allow  Elisha  Perkins  twent[y]  one 
Shillings  for  Sweeping  the  Meeting  House  from  the  time  he 
first  began  to  sweep  y®  new  Meeting  House,  unto  next  March 
Meeting  voted 

Whereas  his  Excelency  our  present  Governer  hath  ordered 
Mr  Page  to  our  Town  and  hath  by  his  perticuler  order  to 
the  selectmen  ; ordered  them  to  finde  him  a House  and  Land 
to  Improve  at  a Reasonable  Rent;  Pursuant  hereunto  wee 
the  Selectmen  of  Topsfield  have  lay’d  out  unto  Mr.  Page  Ten 
Acres  of  Land  or  thereabouts;  out  of  that  Land  lying 
Joyning  to  Lieu*.  Perkinses  Lot;  on  the  South  side  of  Ips- 
wich River:  Bounded  with  an  Assh  Tree  standing  near  the 
Clay  Pits:  and  so  Cross  that  Land  to  an  Heap  of  Stones 
in  or  near  Lieu1.  Perkinsis  Line.  The  conditions  with  Mr. 
Page  are  as  followeth : If  the  Town  will  be  pleased  to  Ex- 
change Land  with  Zacheus  Perkins : viz:  that  Land  above 
saiad : for  that  Land  of  his  that  lyeth  to  Mr.  Capens  Causey 
and  Joyning  to  the  Common:  Acre  for  Acre;  or  as  out 
Townsmen;  Shall  Judge;  to  be  chosen  by  the  Town  and 
Zacheus  Perkins : Respecting  Quallity ; Then  Zacheus  Per- 
kins doth  by  These  Presents — Binde  himselfe  to  clear  the 
Town  from  the  above  said  order:  by  finding  him  a place  to 
live  in;  as  the  Governer  hath  ordered,  or  Elce  wee  the  Se- 
lectmen of  Topsfield  Do  Binde  our-Selves  In  behalf  of  the 
Town : to  Pay  to  Mr.  Page,  so  much  as  he  Shall  Expend  in 

Building  and  ffencing  (not  exceeding  five  Pounds)  upon 
that  Land : If  the  Town  will  not  Exchang  the  Land  above 


138 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


said ; or  if  he  should  be  called  away  by  Authority  or  other 
wise  Datd.  ye  19th  of  Decemr.  1704 

his 

Zacheus  Perkins 
mark 

Samuel  Stanley 
John  Gould 
Thomas  Perlcy 
John  Cummings 
Ebenezer  Averell 

Select  Men  of  Topsfield 

Copia  vera  as  Attests  Samuel  Stanley  Town  Clerke  for 
Topsfield 

We  whose  Names  are  underwriten  being  Chosen  by  y* 
Town  to  settle  the  Bounds  between  y®  Town  Common  and 
the  Lots  have  settled  the  Bounds  between  Corp11  John  Curtis 
and  the  Common : We  have  agreed  as  followeth;  that  the 
Bounds  Shall  run  from  a Black  oake  Tree  which  is  Reputed 
to  be  the  Bounds  of  our  Common,  upon  a straight  Line  to 
a Black  oake  marked,  with  a heap  of  Stones  at  it:  and  on 
a strait  Line  to  Mr  Endicotts  Line. 

Dated  22d  of  March  1704 

Thomas  Baker 
Jacob  Town 
Isaac  Peabody 

Copia  vera  as  Attests  Samuel  Stanley 

Town  Clerk  for  Tops 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  y®  Town  of  Topsfield:  29 

Decemr  1704  the  Town  allowed  five  Pounds  towards  paying 
for  y®  Watch-House  to  be  Pay’d  in  money,  or  Corn  as  it  pass- 
eth  for  money  from  man  to  man  in  y®  Town  voted 

the  Town  agreed  that  y®  Selectmen  should  call  y®  Con- 
stables to  account  that  are  behind  with  Mr  Capens  Rates 
here  in  y®  Town : and  Town  Rates  allso  to  see  that  they 
gather  up  these  Rates  & Clear  with  Mr  Capen,  and  with  the 
Town  both  voted 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


39 


the  Town  agreed  ether  to  Pay  Mr  Page  what  he  doth  Ex- 
pend in  building  & ffencing,  not  Exceeding  five  Pounds  upon 
the  Land  which  the  Selectmen  have  lay’d  out  to  him;  or  to 
Exchang  the  Said  Land  with  Zechus  Perkins  voted 

the  Town  agreed  that  Sargent  John  Gould  Should  have 
the  Glass  which  did  belong  to  the  old  meeting  House  voted 

This  may  certifie  whome  it  may  concern  that  I received  of 
corp11  Curtis,  what  he  was  ordered  to  pay  to  me  when  he 
was  Constable  as  was  Due  to  me  from  ye  Town,  I say  recei- 
ved by  me  Ephraim  Dorman:  Dated  21  feb : 170J 

This  may  certifie  whom  it  may  concern  that  in  ye  yeare 
1699  Corp11  John  Courtis  Payd  to  me  that  Money  which  was 
ordered  to  me  by  the  Selectmen  for  what  the  Town  was  In- 
debeted  to  me : Received  by  me  Tobijah  Perkins 

This  may  certifie  whom  it  may  concern  that  I have  Re- 
ceived sixteen  pence  of  Constable  Courtis;  which  was  Due 
in  a Town  Rate  to  me,  which  he  was  to  gather;  Received 
by  me  John  How 

Received  of  Corp11  Curtis  when  he  was  Constable  all  that 
he  was  ordered  to  pay  to  me  out  of  the  Town  Rate  commit- 
ed  to  him  to  gather  up:  I say  Received  by  me  Elisha  Per- 
kins; Dat.  ffeb  21:  170J 

[122]  Received  of  Corp11  John  Courtis  Constable  for 
Topsfield  for  ye  Year  1699  the  full  of  the  Minesters  Rate  for 
said  Town  commited  to  him  to  colect:  I say  Received  of 
him  in  full  for  sd  Rate  by  me  Joseph  Capen  Dated:  ffeb; 
13th  170} 

The  five  Receipts  here  last  entered : are  cnterd  true 
copyes  as  attests  Samuel  Stanley  Town  Clerk  for  Topsfield 

Received  of  Ephraim  Willds  as  Constable  for  topsfield  for 
y®  year  1692  the  full  of  ye  Rate  for  ye  Ministry  for  said 
Town  and  year.  I say  received  the  full 

per  me  Joseph  Capen : ffeb:  27:  17O5 

Received  of  John  Commings  Constable  for  Topsfield  for 
y®  yeare  1700  the  full  of  the  Rate  for  the  use  of  the  Ministry 


40 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


for  said  Town  and  year.  I say  received  in  full 

per  me  Joseph  Capen:  ffeb  27:  170^ 

Compared  & entred  per  me  Samuel  Stanley  Town  Clerke 

At  a Lawfull  meeting  of  ye  Towne  of  Topsfield  it  being 
there  Generali  Towne  meeting  apon  ye6:  day  of  march 
17O5  Sarg*  Samuel  Standly  was  Chosen  Towne  Clarke  for  y* 
yeare  insueing.  voted 

Sarg*  John  Gould  and  Corp11  Jacob  Town  are  Chosen 
Constables  for  the  year  Insuing  for  Topsfield  voted 

Ebenezer  Averell,  Thomas  Perley,  Sargt  Daniel  Reding- 
ton : Clerke  Elisha  Perkins ; and  Corp11  Joseph  Town,  are 
Chosen  Selectmen  for  the  year  Insuing  voted 

Thomas  Dwaniell,  Ephraim  Willd,  William  Hobs,  and  Jo- 
seph Gould  are  Chosen  Surveyers  of  highwayes  for  the  year 
Insuing  voted 

Sarg1  John  Hovey,  Isaac  Estey  and  Thomas  Perkins  are 
Chosen  Tithing  men  for  the  year  Insuing  voted 

Zacheus  Gould  and  John  ffrench  Junr  are  Chosen  ffence 
viewers  for  the  Year  Insuing  voted 

John  Town  and  Michill  Dwaniell  Junr  are  Chosen  Hawards 
for  ye  year  Insuing  voted 

Nathaniel  Wood  and  Stebbens  Commings  are  chosen  to 
see  that  People  do  yoke  and  Ring  their  Hogs  voted 

U Ephraim  Dorman  is  Chosen  Grand-Jury-man  for  ye 
year  Insuing  voted 

Joseph  Borman  and  Thomas  Dorman  are  Chosen  to  Serve 
on  the  Jury-of  Trialls  at  Ipswich  Court  to  be  holden  on  y* 
last  Tues-Day  of  this  Instant  voted 

The  Town  Granted  Liberty  to  Abraham  Howard  Jacob 
ffoster  and  Daniel  ffoster  and  Caleb  ffoster  to  set  up  a Stable 
to  Shellter  their  Horses  in  upon  our  Common  near  our  meet- 
ing House  voted 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


141 


the  Town  agreed  that  the  order  or  By  Law  which  was 
considered  and  allowed  at  a General  Sessions  of  ye  Peace 
holden  at  Ipswich  March  30th  1703  concerning  ye  Prohibi- 
tion of  falling  wood  or  timber  on  our  Town  Common  Shall 
Still  Continue  till  the  Town  See  Cause  to  Repeal  it  voted 

the  Town  Granted  to  those  that  are  Seated  in  ye  ffront 
Gallery;  Liberty  to  raise  ye  ffront  of  that  Seat  according  to 
their  mindes  voted 

The  9th  of  march,  170^  The  Town  Officers  chosen  for  the 
Year  Insuing  were  Sworn  to  the  faithfull  discharge  of  their 
Respective  Offices  by  the  Selectmen 

The  9th  of  March  170!  Samuel  Stanley  being  chosen  Town 
Clerke  for  the  Year  Insuing  was  Sworn  to  ye  faithful  dis- 
charge of  that  Office  by  the  Selectmen  and  y®  Select  Men 
wear  sworn  as  Assessors  to  ye  faithfull  discharge  of  their 
officies  by  y®  Town  Clerke : as  attes[t]  Sam11  Stanley  Clerk 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  y*  Town  of  Topsfield,  May  8th: 
1705  Elisha  Perkins  was  Chosen  Representitive  to  Represent 
the  Town  at  y*  Great  and  General  Court  or  Assemble  for 
the  year  Insuing  voted 

[123]  Sam11  Stanley  is  Chosen  to  Serve  on  y®  Grand  Jury 
at  y®  Superiour  Court  to  be  held  at  Ipswich  the  fifteenth  of 
May  Instant  voted 

Lieut  Thomas  Baker  and  Mr  Isaac  Peabody  are  Chosen  to 
Serve  on  the  Jury  of  Trials  att  the  same  court  voted 

The  Town  agreed  to  give  the  Select-men  full  Power  to  Call 
the  Constables  to  an  account  for  not  gathering  y®  Arears  of 
the  Meeting-House  Rates  and  y®  said  Select-men  are  appoint- 
ed to  receive  the  Said  Arears  for  the  use  of  the  Town,  viz : 
the  use  which  y®  said  Rates  wear  made  for,  and  to  be  de- 
livered to  the  Commitee  that  Pay’d  Mr  Tillton : viz:  Leiut 
Baker  Leiut  Perkins  and  Sarj*  Redington : and  y®  sd  Select- 
men dre  Impowered  to  prosecute  againest  the  sd  Constable, 
for  not  gathering  and  bringing  in  the  sd  arears;  and  The 
Town  will  beare  them  out  in  all  their  Lawfull  prceedings 

voted 


142 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


the  Town  forgave  Mr  Capen  for  what  wood  he  had  cut 
upon  y®  Common  contrary  to  the  Town  order  voted 

the  Town  agreed  that  ye  Select-men  should  prosecut  those 
that  have  cut  down  Wood  and  Timber  upon  ye  Town  Com- 
mon contrary  to  ye  Town  order  Mr  Capen  excepted  voted 

the  Town  agreed  y1  Mr  Isaac  Peabody  should  git  so  much 
Timber  upon  Wintrops  Hills  as  is  needful  to  mend  his  Bridge 
over  his  medow  voted 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  ye  Select-men  of  Wenham  May 
y®  10th:  1705  William  f airfield  John  Gott  & Thomas  Kimball 
are  appointed  with  full  Power  to  Perambulate  y®  Line  & Re- 
new y®  Bounds,  between  Wenham  and  Topsfield : on  the 
24:  Day  of  May  Currant  at  Ten  of  y®  Clock  in  y®  fore- 
noone  and  to  meet  at  y®  West  End  of  Wenham  Casweye  if 
faire  wether:  but  if  foull  wether ; then  ye  next  fair  Day  per 
order  of  y®  Selectmen 

Thomas  ffiske  Cler 

May  24th  1705  We  whose  Names  are  under  Writen  being 
met  to  gather  to  Perambulate  and  renew  y®  Bounds,  accord- 
ing to  the  orders  of  our  Towns:  and  accordingly  here  Re- 
newed the  Heaps  of  Stones  at  ye  West  End  of  Wenham 
Causway  and  the  rest  of  the  Bounds  as  they  Stand  Entred 
in  our  Town  Reccords  to  the  River,  as  Witness  our  Hands 

Thomas  Kimball 
William  ffairfield 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  y®  Town  of  Topsfield  y®  27th:  of 
July:  1705  the  Town  doth  by  vote  declare  that  they  order 
Mr  Page  to  go  on  in  his  work:  on  that  Ten  Acres  of  Land 
which  the  Selectmen  lay’d  out  to  him  on  y®  South  Side  of 
the  River  in  the  year  1704  the  Clay  Ground  there  in  reserved 
by  the  Town:  and  a way  to  come  at  said  Clay:  and  the 
Town  doth  Ingage  to  Satisfie  Mr  Page  for  what  he  shall  Ex- 
pend in  order  to  his  Settlement  on  said  Land.  If  the  Town 
do  not  See  good  to  Exchange  the  said  Land  with  Zacheus 
Perkins,  at  the  General  Town  Meeting  next  March  Insuing 

voted 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


43 


Sarg*  John  Gould  is  Chosen  to  Cary  a Petition  to  his  Ex- 
celency  the  Governer  for  ye  Releasment  of  three  souldirs 

voted 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  ye  Inhabitants  of  Topsfield  Sep- 
tem : 21  : 1705  Thomas  Dorman  Junr  is  chosen  to  serve  on 
y*  Jury  of  trialls  at  Newbury  Court  next  Insuing  voted 

Boston  Septemr  26th  1705  Recd  of  Mr  Thomas  Howlett 
Constable  of  Topsfield  fifteen  Pounds  one  Shilling  & pence 
in  full  Recd  for  Mr  James  Taylor  Tresur 

per  Jer  Allen 

Att  a Lawfull  meeting  of  ye  Town  of  Topsfield  Novemr2i 
1705  in  answer  to  Boxford  Selectmens  notification  to  our 
selectmen  for  Perambulation  on  the  Bounds  between  our 
Towns  the  Town  though  it  not  proper  to  Perambulate  where 
never  Bounds  were  yet  settled  voted 

The  Town  agreed  to  allow  Mr  Capen ; one  Pound  & 6 
shillings  for  varnishing  the  Pulpit  voted 

[124]  Recd  of  John  Gould  Constable  for  ye  Town  of 
Topsfield  the  Sum  orf  Three  Pounds  Eight  Shillings  &;  4: 
pence  it  being  in  full  for  ye  County  of  Essex:  for  ye  last 
Assessment ; 

per  John  Apleton  County  Tresurer 

Ipswich  DecenT  14th:  1705 

Copia  vera  as  attests  Samuell  Stanley  Town  Clerk  Topd 

Boston  Nouemr  29  1705  Recd  of  Mr  John  Gould  Consta- 
ble of  Topsfield  by  ye  Hands  of  Mr  Thomas  Howlett  Thirty 
Two  Pounds  Eight  Shillings  & four  pence  in  part  recd  for 
James  Taylor  Treasurer: 

per  Jer  Allene 

Topia  vera  attests  Sam;i  Stanley  Town  Clerke  for  Tops- 
field 

Boston  Januy  23d  1705  Recd  of  Mr  John  Gould  Consta.  of 
Topsfield  Thirty  six  pounds  Eighteen  Shillings  in  part  recd 
for  Mr  James  Taylor  Treasr 

per  Jer  Allene 

Copia  vera  as  Attests  Sam11  Stanley 


144 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


Boston  June  20th  1706  Reed,  of  Mr  John  Gould  Consta.  of 
Topsfield  Twenty  one  Pounds  five  shillings  & nine  pence  in 
part  recd  for  Mr  James  Taylor  Treasr 

per  Jer  Allene 

Boston  SeptenT  19th  1706  Recd  of  mr  John  Gould  Consta. 
of  Topsfield  Twenty  one  Pounds  Thirteen  shillings  in  part 
recd  for  mr  James  Taylor  Tresurr 

per  Jer  Allene 

Boston  Janna.  9th  1706-7  Recd  of  mr  John  Gould  Consta- 
ble of  Topsfield  Twenty  Pounds  fouer  shillings  & Eleven 
pence  recd  in  full  for  mr  James  Taylor  Treasr 

per  Jer  Allene 

The  Copyes  above  Entred  are  true  Copyes  as  Attests  Sam- 
uel Stanley  Town  Clerke  for  Topsfield 

Recd  of  Ebenezer  Averell  Constable  of  Topsfield  the  Just 
Sum  of  Ninty  Seven  Pounds  fourteen  Shillings  on  the  ac- 
count of  ye  first  Payment  of  ye  meeting-House  Rate : I say 
Received  by  me  Abraham  Tilton  Datd  march  ye  21  1704. 

Copia  vera  Attests  Sam11  Stanley  Town  Clerke  for  Tops- 
field 

Recd  of  Nathaniell  Averell  Constable  of  Topsfield  Seventy 
Nine  Pounds  in  money  on  the  account  of  ye  Second  Pay- 
ment ©f  ye  meeting  House  Rate  I say  received  by  me  Abra- 
ham Tilton:  Dated  march  ye  21st  1704 

Copia  vera  attests  Sam11  Stanley  Town  Clerke  for  Tops- 
field 

Recd  of  Constble  Nathaniel  Averell  of  Topsfield  upon  ye 
account  of  ye  meeting  House  Rate  which  was  commited  to 
him  to  gather;  the  Just  sum  of  21  Pounds  in  Silver  money 
at  ye  Seventeen  peny  weight:  I say  received  by  me  Tobijah 
Perkins  in  behalf  of  the  commitie;  Dated  ye  29th  April  1706 

Copia  vera  Attests  Samuel  Stanley  Town  Clerk  for  Topsd 

At  a Lawfull  Towne  meeting  ye  fift.  Day  of  march  170^ 
Lieut.  Ephraim  Dorman  is  Chosen  moderator  for  the  Day 

voted 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


145 


At  a lawfull  Town  meeting  ye  5th  of  march  170*  Sarg* 
Samuell  Standly  is  Choseen  Town  Clark  for  this  yere  ensew- 
ing  voted 

John  Nicholls  is  chosen  Constable  for  ye  Town  on  ye  South 
Side  ye  River  voted 


Thomas  Perley  is  chosen  Constable 
North  Side  y®  River 


for  ye  Town  on  ye 
voted 


Lieu1  Ephraim  Dorman,  Sarj*  Daniel  Redington,  Elisha 
Perkins,  Sarg*  Hovey  and  Corp11  John  Curtis  are  Chosen 
Selectmen  for  y®  year  Insuing  voted 


the  Town  agreed  y*  y®  Selectmen  shall  draw  up  a List  of 
all  that  are  Quallified  as  ye  Law  directs  for  voting  in  choice 
of  Town  Officers  between  this  and  next  march  meeting 

voted 


mr  Timothy  Perkins  is  chosen  Grand-Jury  man  for  y*  year 
insuing  voted 

Ephraim  Willds  is  chosen  to  serve  on  y®  Jury  of  Trials 
next  court  to  be  held  at  Ipswich  on  y®  last  Tusday  of  this 
Ins1  March  voted 

Isaac  Burton,  John  ffrench  Junr;  John  Hovey  Junr  John 
Cummings  are  Chosen  Surveyers  of  high  wayes  for  y®  year 
Insuing  voted 

Benjamin  Bixby,  Isaac  Estey  and  Nathaniel  Averell  are 
chosen  Tithing-men  for  the  year  Insuing  voted 

[125]  William  Town  and  Zacheus  Gould  are  chosen  ffence 
viewer  for  y®  year  Insuing  voted 

The  Town  agreed  y*  y®  Select-men  shall  Lay  out  a Way 
for  Beverley  men  to  fetch  away  their  Hay  in  so  as  may  be 
convenient  for  them  ; and  the  least  prejeditiall  to  the  Pro- 
prietors in  Topsfield  Bounds  voted 

The  Town  agreed  that  Beverley  men  shall  have  Rocks  and 
gravill  and  old  Timber  as  is  all  ready  down  taking  it  upon  y® 
Common  to  make  a Casway  to  bring  out  their  Hay  out  of 
their  medow  near  Thomas  Towns  medow  voted 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


T46 

The  Town  agreed  that  Beverley  men  shall  have  Rocks  to 
fence  their  medow  that  is  in  our  Town  Bounds,  taking  y* 
Rocks  upon  our  Town  Common  voted 

The  Town  agreed  y*  ye  Present  Selectmen  shall  call  all  y* 
Constables  to  an  account:  that  are  behinde  in  any  of  all 
the  Rates,  that  have  bin  comited  to  them  to  gather  up 

voted 

The  Town  Adjorned  The  present  meeting  unto  the  next 
Munday  following  voted 

At  a General  meeting  of  ye  Town  of  Topsfield  begun  and 
held  the  fift  Day  of  march  1705  and  Adjorned  unto  ye  next 
Munday  following  and  then  met,  and  agreed  to  chuse  a 
commitie  and  to  give  them  full  power  to  Joyn  with  Boxford 
Commitie  in  Settleing  a Line  between  Topsfield  and  Box- 
ford  : and  if  they  cannot  agree ; to  make  report  to  the  Town 

voted 

Lieu1  Ephraim  Dorman,  mr  Isaac  Peabody,  Lieu*  Tobijah 
Perkins  are  chosen  a commitee  and  have  full  power  to  Joyn 
with  a Commitie  of  Boxford  to  settle  a Divisional  Line  be- 
tween Topsfield  and  Boxford : if  they  can  agree : but  if 
they  cannot  agree  to  make  report  to  the  the  Town  voted 

The  Town  agreed  to  exchang  ye  ten  acres  of  Land  or 
there  abouts  as  ye  Selectmen  layd  out  to  mr  Page : with 
Zacheus  Perkins;  for  so  much  Land  (as  maybe  Judg’d  by 
Indifferent  men  Chosen  by  the  Town  and  Zacheus  Perkins) 
Joyning  to  the  Town  Common  and  to  mr  Capens  Causey; 
allso  the  sd  Zacheus  Perkins  doth  Binde  over  the  aforsaid  Ten 
acres  of  Land  or  there  abouts  lying  near  Lieu*  Perkinses  Lot 
to  the  Town  or  Proprietors  for  Secuerity  and  Indamnifieing 
of  them  in  the  Possession  of  that  Land  which  they  do  ex- 
change for  ; Lying  by  mr  Capens  Causey  and  Joyning  to  the 
Town  Common  voted 

Cap*  John  Gould  Lieu*  Baker  Lieu*  Perkins  and  Ephraim 
Willds  Entred  ther  contrary  Decent  and  John  Robinson  En- 
tered his  contrary  Decent  to  the  vote  last  above  writen 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


147 


Thomas  Dorman  Junr  is  chosen  Constable  for  ye  year  In- 
suing  for  ye  North  of  the  River:  for  the  Town  of  Topsfield 

voted 

The  Town  agreed  and  gave  Cap4  John  Gould  and  Deacn 
Samuel  Howl^tt  full  Power  to  proceed  according  to  Law 
for  the  recovery  of  the  arears  of  mr  Capens  Rates  due  to 
him  : from  any  of  ye  Inhabitants  of  Boxford  voted 

The  Town  agreed  to  exchang  about  an  acre  of  Land  with 
mr  Timothy  Perkins  lying  on  ye  South  side  of  his  field  in 
the  Swamp:  for  so  much  land  as  shall  be  Judg’d  by  Indef- 
ferent  men  to  be  Equevolent  to  it:  laying  it  to  the  common 

voted 

mr  Isaac  Peabody  Deac11  Sam11  Howlett  and  Elisha  Per- 
kins are  Chosen  a Comitie  to  lay  out  the  said  Land  for  mr 
Timothy  Perkins;  and  ye  Town  voted 

the  said  Perkins  Paying  all  the  charge  voted 

Daniel  Waters  is  chosen  a surveyer  of  highwayes  for  ye 
year  Insuing  voted 

The  Town  agreed  to  free  all  ye  Inhabitants  on  ye  South- 
west Side  of  Nicholls  Brook  from  highway  worke  on 
ye  North  East  Side  of  said  Brook  for  this  year  provided  they 
Maintain  the  Bridge  over  sd  Nichollses  Brook:  and  the 

rest  of  the  highwayes  and  Bridges  on  that  side  of  ye  sd  Nich- 
ollses Brook  voted 

The  Town  agreed  to  ffence  in  ye  Burying-Place  with  a 
Stone-Wall  voted 

The  Town  agreed  that  ye  Selectmen  lay  out  what  Ground 
maybe  Convenient  for  the  Burying  Place  voted 

The  Town  agreed  to  exchange  about  half  an  acre  of  Land 
with  Michall  Dwaniell  for  so  much  of  his  Land ; as  shall  be 
equevolent  thereto : and  the  same  commitie  chosen  to  lay 

out  about  an  Acre  of  Land  for  mr  Timothy  Perkins  & the 
Town  upon  Exchange  are  a like  appointed  to  lay  out  the 
half  Acre  upon  Exchang  with  sd.  Michaell  Dwaniell  and  the 
Town  voted 


148 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


The  Town  agreed  ye  Town  order  or  By-law  which  was 
considered  & allowed  at  a general  sessions  of  ye  peace  March 
ye  30th  1703  holden  at  Ipswich,  shall  still  continue ; untill 
the  Town  see  cause  to  Repeal  it  voted 

John  Hovey  Junr  Isaac  Peabody,  Daniel  Clarke,  Daniel 
Waters,  Joseph  Town  senr;  Deac.  Thomas  Dorman  Thomas 
Doman  Junr  entered  their  contrary  Desents 

[126]  Samuel  Stanley  being  Chosen  clerke  for  ye  year 
Insuing  was  sworn  to  ye  faithfull  discharge  of  that  office  by 
ye  Honrble:  Major  Wainwright  ye  8th:  day  of  march  iyo\ 

Lieut.  Ephraim  Dorman  Sarg1  Daniel  Redington  Clerk 
Elisha  Perkins  sarj1  John  Hovey  and  Corp11.  John  Curtis 
being  Selectmen  for  ye  year  Insuing  were  sworn  as:  asses- 
sors to  ye  faithfull  discharge  of  y1  office  by  me  Sam11  Stanley 
Town  Clerke  Isaac  Burton,  John  ffrench  Junr;  John  Hovey 
Junr.  and  Daniel  Waters  being  chosen  Surveyers  of  high- 
wayes  for  the  year  Insuing  were  sworn  to  ye  faithfull  dis- 
charg  of  that  office  by  ye  Selectmen 

John  Nicholls  being  chosen  Constable  for  ye  year  Insuing 
was  sworn  to  ye  faithfull  discharge  of  that  office  by  the  se- 
lectmen Thomas  Dorman  Junr  being  chosen  constable  for  ye 
year  Insuing  was  sworn  to  ye  faithfull  discharg  of  that  office 
by  ye  Selectmen  the  Eleaventh  Day  of  Marh  170*  Benjemen 
Bixby  & Nathaniel  Averell  being  chosen  Tithing-men  for  ye 
Year  Insuing  wear  sworn  to  ye  faithfull  discharge  of  y*  office 
by  ye  Selectmen  Zacheus  Gould  being  chosen  ffence  viewer  for 
ye  year  Insuing  was  sworn  to  y*  faithfull  discharge  of  that  office 
by  ye  selectmen  the  8th  Day  of  Marh  170*  John  Cummings 
being  Chosen  Surveyer  for  ye  year  Insuing  was  Sworn  to 
the  faithfull  Discharg  of  that  office  by  the  Selectmen  on 
ye:  18;  of  March:  170I  as  attests  Samuel  Stanley  Towne 
Clerke  for  Topsfield 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  ye  Town  of  Topsfield  ye  7th  Day 
of  May  1706  Elisha  Perkins  is  Chosen  Representitive  for  the 
Town:  for  this  year  Insuing  voted 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


149 


Lieut  Perkins  Sarj  Daniel  Redington  and  Thomas  How- 
lett  are  Chosen  to  Serve  on  the  Jury  of  Tryals  at  ye  Superi- 
our  Court  to  be  held  at  Ipswich  on  ye  3d  Tuesday  of  May 
Inst1  and  Deac"  Samuel  Howlett  is  chosen  to  serve  on  ye 
Grand  jury  at  said  Court  voted 

We  whose  Names  are  under  writen  being  appointed  by 
the  Town  to  stake  out  the  Buring  place  accordingly  have; 
and  Bounded  it  begining  at  mr  Perkins  his  Ston  Wall  at  y* 
South-East  Side  of  his  place  agoing  into  his  field;  Bounded 
with  a Ston  by  his  Wall  Side ; and  from  thence  to  a Great 
Ston  lying  near  the  West  Gate  of  ye  Old  meeting-House 
ffortt:  and  then  to  two  Stons  lying  between  the  White  Oak 
Tree  and  the  Old  ffortt:  and  then  to  two  Stons  lying  on  the 
Plain:  and  then  to  a Stump  at  the  South-East  End  of  the 
Burying  Place:  and  then  to  mr  Perkinses  ffence.  Dated  19th 
of  April  1706 

Ephraim  Dorman 
John  Hovey 
John  Curtis 
Elisha  Perkins 
Daniel  Redington 

Selectmen  of  Topsfield 

Copia  vera  as  attests  Sam11  Stanley  Town  Clarke  for  Tops- 
field 

Boston  December  1694:  Recd  of  mr  Isaac  Estey  Consta- 
ble of  Topsfield  Six  Pounds  Three  Shillings  and  Nine  pence, 
in  full  of  a Warrant  Dated  13th  Septemr;  1694  amounting 
to  Twenty  Two  Pounds  three  Shillings  and  Nine  pence  I say 
Recd  for  mr  James  Taylor  Treasur 

perjer:  Allene 

Boston  April  30th  1695  : Recd  of  mr  Isaac  Estey  Consta- 

ble of  Topsfield:  by  the  hand  of  mr  John  Gould  ffifty  Eight 
Pounds  Eleven  shillings  & Three  pence  in  full  of  a Warrant 
for  ffifty  Eight  pounds  Eleven  shillings  & three  pence  I say 
recd  for  mr  James  Taylor  Treasur 

per  Jer  Allene 

Wee  whose  Names  are  under  writen  being  Chosen  by  y® 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


150 

Town  of  Salem  & y*  Town  of  Topsfield:  to  Perambulate  & 
Renew  the  Line  between  Salem  and  Topsfield;  Wee  have 
accordingly  met  and  in  behalf  of  Each  Town  owned  Renewed 
a Red  Oak  Tree  with  a Heap  of  Stones  at  it;  commonly 
called  crumwells  Rock  near  ye  River:  from  thence  to  a Heap 
of  Stones  between  three  White  Oak  Trees:  by  a great  Assh 
Swamp;  then  to  a Heap  of  Stones  near  Nichollses  Brook; 
then  to  Dry  Tree  [127]  marked  With  a Heap  of  Stones  at 
it  near  the  Head  of  Smiths  medow;  then  to  a Crooked 
Black  Oak  Tree  near  Wheell  Brook;  and  then  to  a White 
oak  Tree  with  stones  at  it  near  Wenham  Causey 
Datd  22d  of  April  1706 

for  Topsfield  for  Salem 

Ephraim  Dorman  senr  Edward  Putnam 

John  Curtis  John  Putnam  Junr 

Elisha  Perkins  Daniel  Andrews 

Copia  vera  as  attests  Samuel  Stanley  Topsfield  Town 
Clerke 

We  whose  Names  are  under  writen  being  Chosen  by  our 
respective  Towns  to  Perambulate  onye  Bounds  between  our 
Towns;  Have  accordingly  met  and  owned  & renewed  the 
Bounds  between  Ipswich  & Topsfield  ; begining  at  a Aple 
Tree  in  U Thomas  Perleys  field  with  an  Heap  of  Stones 
about  it  & so  to  a Black  oak  Tree  marked  with  Stones  about 
it ; and  from  thence  to  a white  Oak  Tree  marked  with  Stones 
about  it  upon  an  Hill  some  Rods  from  the  Pond  common- 
ly called  Mr  Bakers  Pond ; and  then  as  y®  Pond  runs  to  a 
Marked  Tree  a white  oak  with  an  Heap  of  Stones  about  it; 
at  y®  South-East  corner  of  ye  said  Pond  next  Daniel  ffosters : 
and  then  by  ye  former  marked  Trees  with  Heaps  of  Stones 
about  them  till  it  comes  to  mr  Symo[n]dses  farm  so-called : 
and  then  by  said  farm  till  it  comes  to  a Stak  by  or  near  a 
Spring  near  MrWinthrops  Corner  in  ye  medow ; & from  sd 
stake  on  a Straight  Line  about  two  Rods  & on  half  off  of  Ed- 
ward Nealands  House  to  a stake  with  an  Heap  of  Stones  about 
it  on  the  side  of  an  Hill ; called  Pains  Hill ; and  from  sd  Stake 
and  Stones  Westerly  ; to  a stake  and  Heap  of  stones  about  it 
near  the  Brook  that  runns  to  Corp11  Howletts  House:  and 
then  as  the  sd  Brook  runns  into  Ipswich  River 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


15 


for  Ipswich 

Robart  Lord 
William  Howlett 
Nathaniel  Hart 
John  Pengry 

Copia  vera  Attests  Samuel  Stanley 


for  Topsfield 

John  Hovey 
Samuel  Stanley 
John  Gould  Jr 

Datd  May  29th  1706 
Clerke  for  Topsfield 

We  whose  Names  are  under  writen  being  Chosen  by  ye 
Town  to  lay  out  to  Mr  Timothy  Perkines  about  an  Acre  of 
Land  lying  on  ye  South  Side  of  his  Land  commonly  called 
ye  meeting  House  Lot.  Bounded  as  followeth  on  a Straight 
[line]  from  y®  corner  of  his  fence  to  a stake  in  ye  side  of  ye 
Swamp  by  ye  Hillside  ; the  Breadth  is  Eight  Rod  ; and  from  the 
Corner  Stake  upon  a Straight  line  Northwest  Thurty  five 
Rods:  to  a White  Oak  Stump  Standing  in  his  own  ffence: 
and  the  above  said  Mr  Timothy  Perkins  hath  lay’d  down  out 
of  Zacheus  Perkinses  Land;  and  by  his  order;  the  Bounds 
as  followeth : begining  at  y®  North  corner  Bounded  with 
two  Popler  Trees  with  a Stake  between  them : and  from 
thence  Southerly  Six  Rod  to  a Stake  and  Heap  of  Stones : 
and  from  thence  South  and  by  East  to  a Wallnut  Tree  the 
length  of  ye  Line  Sixty-three  Rod. 

Isaac  Peabody 
Elisha  Perkins 
Samuel  Howlett 

Datd  28th  March:  1706  Copia  vera  Attested  by  Sam11 
Stanley  Town  Clerke  for  Topsfield 

Att  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  y*  Town  of  Topsfield  16th  of 
Septemr  1706  John  Cummings  is  chosen  to  serve  on  ye  Jury 
of  Trials  at  Newbury  court  to  be  holden  on  ye  last  Tuesday 
of  this  Instant  Sepr  1706  voted 

At  a Lawfull  meeting  of  y®  Town  of  Topsfield  y®  22d  Day 
of  October,  1706  the  Town  agreed  to  Stand  by  our  Town 
Constables  in  recovering  of  y®  Rates  of  the  Dwellers  upon  Mr 
Endicotts  farm  voted 

At  a Lawfull  meeting  of  ye  Town  of  Topsfield  y®  15th  of 
Novemr  1706  the  Town  agreed  to  chuse  a comitie  to  Draw 


52 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


up  a petition  to  send  to  the  General  Court  to  End  the  Dif- 
firences  between  Topsfield  and  Boxford  voted 

Lieut.  Thomas  Baker ; Capt.  John  Gould,  Lieut  Tobijah 
Perkins  and  Leiut  Ephraim  Dorman  are  chosen  the  commi- 
tie  to  draw  up  the  Petition  afore8d  voted 

[128]  At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Topsfield  ye 
25th  of  Novemr  1706  the  Town  agreed  and  chose  abraham 
How  of  Ipswich  to  Joyn  with  a man  as  Zacheus  Perkins  shall 
chuse  to  Lay  out  the  Land  as  the  Town  have  agreed  to  Ex- 
change with  y*  sd  Zacheus  Perkins  and  if  those  two  Men 
cannot  agree  sd  two  men  are  to  chuse  a third  man  voted 

The  Town  ag[r]eed  & chose  Daniel  Clarke  there  agent  to 
go  to  Salem  Court  to  answer  the  writ  Layd  upon  the  Select- 
men by  the  commitie  viz:  Lt : Thomas  Baker;  Lt.  Tobijah 
Perkins  & Daniel  Redington  voted 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  ye  Town  of  Topsfield  the  Tenth 
Day  of  January  1706-7;  Mr  Isaac  Peabody  is  chosen  Mod- 
erator for  the  Meeting  voted 

The  Town  agreed  to  chuse  a commitee  to  discours  ye 
commitee  concerned  with  ye  Meeting  House  Rate  and  to 
make  report  to  ye  Town  of  what  Termes  they  will  agree  up- 
on voted 

Lieut  Ephraim  Dorman  Deacn  Samuel  Howlett,  and 
Elisha  Perkins  are  chosen  to  be  the  commitee  above 
said  voted 

The  Town  agreed  that  ye  Selectmen  shall  prosecute  the 
constables  for  not  doing  their  Duty  in  gathering  the  Rates 
commited  to  them  to  gather  voted 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Topsfield  2 Ist  of 
Janur  1 70®  Mr  Isaac  Peabody  is  chosen  Moderator  for  that 
meeting  voted 

the  Town  agreed  to  allow  the  Meeting  House  commitie 
viz — Mr  Thomas  Baker  Lieut  Tobijah  Perkins  and  Sarg* 
Daniel  Redington  Eleaven  Pounds  and  Eight  shillings  & six 
pence  which  is  in  full  of  what  they  wear  to  have  for  building 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


153 


the  New  Meeting  House  and  Court  Charges  and  the  said 
Eleaven  pounds  Eight  Shillings  and  six  pence  is  to  be  Lev- 
vyed  in  a Rate  to  Defray  Town  charge  voted 

At  a Lawfull  and  Generali  meeting  of  ye  Town  of  Tops- 
field  on  ye  fourth  Day  of  March  1706-7  Lieut  Tobijah  Per- 
kins is  chosen  Moderator  for  ye  Day  voted 

Samuel  Stanley  is  chosen  Town  Clerke  for  ye  year  Insu- 
ing  voted 

Thomas  Perley  and  Micheal  Dwaniel  are  Chosen  Consta- 
bles for  ye  year  Insuing  voted 

Deac : Samuel  Howlett,  Ebenezer  Averill  Thomas  How- 
lett  corp11  Joseph  Town  and  Samuel  Stanley  are  chosen  Se- 
lectmen for  ye  year  Insuing  voted 

John  Hovey  Junr  is  chosen  to  serve  on  ye  grand-jury  at 
Ipswich  court  next  Insuing  & for  the  year  voted 

John  ffrench  is  Chosen  to  serve  on  ye  Jury  of  trials  at  ye 
said  court  voted 

Daniel  Clarke,  Nathaniel  Borman  and  Thomas  Town  are 
chosen  Surveyers  of  Highwayes  for  the  year  Insuing  voted 

Mr  Thomas  Baker  Sarj4  Daniel  Redington  & Thomas 
Gould  & Isaac  Estey  are  chosen  tything-men  for  the  year 
Insuing  voted 

Sarj*  John  Averel,  Joseph  Borman  & Amos  Dorman  are 
Chosen  ffence  viewers  for  the  year  Insuing  voted 

The  Town  granted  unto  William  Averell  half  an  acre  of 
Land  some  where  where  a commitie  shall  be  ordered  by  ye 
Town  to  lay  it  out  for  him  ye  sd  Averill  Duering  his  and  his 
Wifes  life  time:  and  y®  sd  William  Averell  is  hereby  oblid- 
ged  to  Sweep  ye  Meeting-House  and  to  dige  Graves  to  be 
payd  for  his  work  voted 

The  Meeting  is  Adjorned  to  ye  Day  following  next  voted 

At  a Lawfull  General  Town  Meeting  of  ye  Inhabitants  of 
ye  Town  of  Topsfield  by  adjorment  from  ye  4th  of  March 


154 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


1706-7  to  ye  Day  Instant  then  met  and  agreed  y4  William 
Averell  shall  have  half  an  Acre  of  Land  layd  out  to  him  upon 
ye  common  some  where  near  among  the  Hills  to  y®  Norwest 
of  ye  Meeting-House  where  a commitee  chosen  to  lay  it  out 
shall  [129]  think  convenient,  for  him  the  said  Averell  & his 
Wife  duering  their  Life  time  voted 

The  Town  agreed  that  Cap4  John  Gould  & Sargt.  John 
Hovey  shall  be  ye  commitee  to  lay  out  the  above  mentioned 
Land  for  William  Averell  voted 

the  Town  doth  agree  that  William  Averell  shall  have  the 
benefit  of  ye  frute  of  ye  parsonage  orchard  till  the  Town  have 
occasion  for  it  and  ye  said  Averell  is  not  to  ffence  the  said  or- 
chard voted 

The  Town  agreed  and  chosen  Samuel  Stanley  to  be 
School  Master  for  the  Town  for  the  year  Insuing  voted 

The  Town  agreed  to  clame  cap4  Goulds  farm  of  Three 
Hundred  [acres]  according  to  the  true  Bounds  of  it  as  it  was 
lay’d  out  by  the  lot  layers  as  Township  to  Topsfield  voted 

and  the  Town  agreed  and  Chose  Mr  Isaac  Peabody;  Wil- 
liam Town  and  Sarg4  John  Gould  to  be  a commitee  to  re- 
new and  Settle  Bounds  between  the  common  and  y®  lots  on 
both  sids  of  the  River  voted 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  y®  Selectmen  Ensign  Sam11  How- 
lett  and  Sam11  Stanley  are  chosen  to  lay  out  a way  through 
the  Land  of  Zacheus  Perkins  for  Zacheus  Gould  and  Eliezer 
Lake  and  Nathaniel  Wood 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  the  Selectmen  on  ye  4th  & on  y® 
fifth  Day  of  March  1706-7  all  the  Town  officers  chosen  for 
the  year  Insuing  Except  Baker  were  sworn  to  the  faithfull 
discharg  of  Every  one  his  Respective  office  by  y®  Selectmen 
and  Town  Clerke  as  Attests  Sam11  Stanley  Town  Clerke  for 
Topsfield 

We  whose  Names  are  under  writen  being  appointed  & Im- 
powered  by  y®  Selectmen  to  lay  out  a way  through  the  land 
of  Zacheus  perkins  accordingly  we  have  don  it ; and  have 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


155 


lay’d  out  a way  from  ye  lift  in  ye  fence  between  Zach- 
eus  Perkinses  land  & Henry  Lakes  Land  as  ye  path  now 
gose  till  it  comes  to  sd  Perkinses  fence  & then  straight  as  ye 
fence  & stone  wall  gose  to  ye  Brook  and  so  straight  over  ye 
Brook  to  ye  lift  where  Zacheus  Perkins  goes  out  of  his  own 
Land 

Samuel  Howlett 
Samuel  Stanley 

Recd  of  Isaac  Estey  as  constable  for  Topsfield  and  to  col- 
ect  of  y®  Inhabitants  said  Town : what  was  coming  to  me  on 
account  of  Rates  for  ye  year  1694  I say  Recd  or  Excepted 
as  if  actualy  received  ; the  full  of  what  was  comited  to  him 
to  colect  as  aforsaid — per  me  Joseph  Capen  this  7th  Day  of 
May  or  before  1706 

January  10th  170?:  I had  then  received  of  Ebenezer  Aver- 
ell  as  constable  of  Topsfield  for  ye  year  1701  & appointed  to 
colect  the  Rates  for  y®  minestry  for  said  year  I say  received 
then  or  before:  the  full  of  what  was  coming  to  me  from 
said  Town  & forye  year  aforesaid — per  me  Joseph  Capen 

Whose  Names  are  under  writen  being  chosen  by  ye  Town 
to  lay  out  to  Micheal  Dwaniell  about  halfe  an  Acre  of  land 
out  ofy®  Town  Common  by  way  of  Exchang  accordingly  we 
have  don  it:  Bounds  are  as  followeth ; the  Bounds  ofy® 
Land  to  Micheal  Dwaniell  from  ye  old  ancient  Bounds  seven 
Rods  in  breadth  and  Eleaven  Rods  and  Six  foot  in  length 
with  four  stakes  at  each  corner  with  Stones  at  them,  the 
Bounds  of  y*  land  which  we  had  of  Micheal  Dwaniell  are  as 
followeth  from  ye  white  oak  Southward  Seven  Rods  & three 
foot  to  a stake  by  ye  fence  side : and  Eastwardly  Rods 
Eleven  ; and  Northerly  Eleven  Rods  and  an  half  to  a stake 
with  stones  about  it;  and  westerly  to  a White  Oak  Tree  Nine 
Rods  and  an  half 

Datd  y®  28th  of  March  1706  Samuel  Howlett 

Elisha  Perkins 
Isaac  Peabody 

The  three  Copyes  last  above  entred  are  true  copyes  as  At- 
tests Sam11  Stanley  Clerke  for  Topsfield 


156 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


Boston  Decemr  4th  1705  Recd  of  Mr  Jacob  Town  Consta- 
ble of  Topsfield  by  y®  hand  of  Mr  Elisha  Perkins  Twelve 
Pounds  &Ten  Shillings  in  part  recd  for  Mr  James  Taylor 
Trear  per  Jer  Allene 

Boston  Janury  23  1705  Recd  of  Mr  Jacob  Town  Constable 
of  Topsfield  by  ye  hand  of  Mr  John  Gould  six  pounds  six- 
teen shillings  & six  pence  in  part  recd  for  Mr  James  Taylor 
Trcasr  per  Jer  Allene 

The  two  last  Copyes  above  Entred  are  true  Copyes  as 
Attests:  Sam11  Stanley  Town  Clerke  for  Topsfield 

[130]  Boston  June  11th  i7o6Recdof  Mr  Jacob  Town  Con- 
stable of  Topsfield  by  y®  hands  of  Mr  Elisha  [Perkins]  four- 
teen Pounds  two  shillings  & nine  part  recd  for  Mr  James 
Taylor  Trear.  per  Jer  Allene 

Boston  Decemr  3d  1706  Recd  of  Mr  Jacob  Town  Consta- 
ble of  Topsfield  by  ye  hands  of  Mr  Joshua  Town  Seven 
Pounds  Seven  Shillings  in  part  recd  Mr  James  Taylor  Treas. 
per  Jer  Allene 

The  two  Copyes  above  entred  are  true  Copyes  as  Attests 
Sam11  Stanley  Town  Clerk  Topsfield 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  y®  Town  of  Topsfield  22  of  April 
1707  the  Town  agreed  and  chose  Mr  Thomas  Baker  Mr  Isaac 
Peabody  to  go  to  ye  Hond  General  Court ; to  manage  the 
Towns  Petition  for  the  settelling  of  our  Town  Bounds  Between 
Topsfield  & Boxford  voted 

Cap1  John  Gould  is  chosen  to  Joyn  with  ye  above  sd  Baker 
& Peabody  to  manage  the  aforesd  Petition  voted 

Whereas  ye  selectmen  did  on  ye  fifth  Day  of  March  1706 
or  7:  order  a way  to  be  layd  out  through  ye  Land  ofZacheus 
Perkins;  which  way  was  accordingly  layd  out,  but  Zacheus 
Perkins  being  very  obstinate  in  the  matter;  and  y®  Select- 
men not  willing  to  do  that  which  would  bring  great  Charge 
upon  ye  Town;  Have  lay’d  the  above  mentioned  Way  in  an- 
other place ; viz:  where  Zacheus  Perk[i]ns  was  not  only 
ffree  that  it  should  be;  but  did  promise  to  make  the  causey 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


157 


upon  his  own  cost  from  the  side  of  y®  Brook  to  ye  upland  on 
ye  West  side  of  said  Brook.  The  way  is  lay’d  out  as  follow- 
eth  ; begining  at  ye  Road  where  the  Line  runs  between  Zac- 
heus  Perkinses  Land  & John  Robinsons  Land : and  their  as 
the  sd.  Line  doth  run;  have  lay’d  out  the  afore  mentioned 
way  upon  Zacheus  Perkinses  Land  till  it  comes  up  ye  Hill 
about  five  or  six  Rods  and  then  turns  of  to  ye  right  as  it  is 
staked  out  to  Zacheus  Perkinses  ffence : and  when  throu  sd 
Perkinses  ffence;  doth  turn  of  to  ye  right;  upon  ye  Land  of 
Widow  Hannah  Clarke  and  Henry  Lake  as  it  is  staked  out 
to  ye  way  whic[h]  comes  down  Billins-gate  Hill  from  Henry 
Lakes  to  Zacheus  Perkinses  ffence 

Samuel  Howlett 

Datd  22d  Apri11  1707  Joseph  Town  Junr 

Ebenezer  Averell 
Thomas  Howlett 
Sam11  Stanley 
Selectmen  of  Topsfield 

Copia  vera  as  attests  Sam11  Stanley  Town  Clerke  for  Tops- 
field. 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Topsfield  ye  9th  Day 
of  May  1707  Mr  Isaac  Peabody  is  chosen  Representitive  for 
ye  year  Insuing  voted 

The  Town  have  chosen  Lieu1  Thomas  Baker  & Mr  Isaac 
Peabod[y]  to  be  Atturneys  in  behalfe  of  our  Town;  with 
full  Power  to  manage  our  late  Petition  to  ye  Hond  General 
Court  for  a Rehearing  of  the  case  Depending  between  Box- 
ford  and  Topsfield ; and  allso  to  desier  and  chuse  an  Attur- 
ney  or  Atturneys  to  assist  them  if  they  see  cause  and  the 
Town  will  Bear  their  charge  voted 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  y®  Town  of  Topsfield  on  ye  19th 
of  May  i7C>7Thomas  Perkins  & John  Robinson  are  chosen 
to  serve  on  ye  Grand  Jury  at  ye  Superiour  Court  to  be  held 
at  Ipswich  on  May  ye  20th  Inst.1  and  Daniel  Clarke;  Timo- 
thy Perkins:  and  John  Averill  are  Chosen  to  serve  on  ye 
Jury  of  tryals  at  ye  Same  Court  voted 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  ye  Town  of  Topsfield  : 1 : Day  of 


58 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


July  1707.  The  Town  agreed  & chose  Cap*  John  How;  L* 
Tobijah  Perkins ; Nathaniel  Averel ; Ebenezer  Averell  and 
Jacob  Town  to  Joyn  with  our  comitee  allready  chose  to 
manage  our  Towns  case  with  Boxford  : before  ye  comitee 
Chosen  by  the  Hond  General  Court;  to  come  to  Topsfield 
and  Boxford:  to  take  a view  of  the  Lines  between  the  said 
Towns  voted 

[13 1]  The  Town  agreed  that  Cap1  John  How  shall  pro- 
vide Entertainment  for  the  commilee  chosen  by  ye  General 
Court  for  ye  purpose  aforesaid  voted 

To  the  Selectmen  of  Topsfield  Gentlemen 

We  do  unanimously  agree  that  in  case  Daniel  Waters  will 
take  care  of  his  Mother  Waters  and  maintain  her  suteably  as 
she  is  his  mother;  and  according  to  his  fathers  agreement 
in  providing  for  her:  then  we  ye  subscribers  do  Ingage  that 
duering  the  time  & terme  of  her  life  provided  y*  he  ye  sd  Waters 
provides  for  his  mother  as  a bovesd  we  will  free  him  from 
being  Imprest  into  Her  majtles  service  provided  the  said 
Waters  frees  the  town  from  all  or  any  charge  improviding 
for  her 

Datd  14th  Octo:  1707 

Signd  sealed  & delivered  John  Gould  Cap1 


William  Smith 
his 

Zacheus  Z Perkins 
mark 

Copia  vera  as  Attests  Samuel  Standley  Town  Clerke  for 
Topsfield 

Know  all  men  that  I Daniel  Waters  of  Topsfield  in  ye 
county  of  Essex  do  oblidge  my  selfe  & all  my  Estate  to  ye 
selectmen  of  Topsfield  : to  take  my  mother  in  Law  Waters 
into  my  care  & keeping : and  to  clear  the  Town  from  any 
furder  charg  or  trouble  about  her:  duering  her  life;  upon 
those  conditions  that  I received  of  the  Selectmen 

Datd  14th  Octo  1707  Daniel  Waters 

Signd  Sealed  & delivered  in  presence  of  us 


in  presence  of  us 
Daniel  Redington 


Ephraim  Dorman  Lieu* 
Samuel  Howlett  Ensign 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


159 


Daniel  Redington 

William  Smith 
his 

Zacheus  Z Perkins 
mark 

Copy  vera  as  Attests  Samuel  Stanley  Town  Clerke  for 
Topsfield 

Boston  Decemr  11th  1706  Recd  of  Mr  John  Nickolls  Con- 
sta:  of  Topsfield  Seventeen  Pounds  in  part  received  for  Mr 
James  Taylor  Treasurer  per  John  Wheelwright 

Boston  ffebr  19th  1706  Recd  of  Mr  John  Nickolls  Consta. 
of  Topsfield  by  Mr  Elisha  Perkins  Six  Pounds  Eight  & Six 
pence  in  part  recd  for  Mr  James  Taylor  Treasr  per  Jer  Al- 
lene 

Boston  June  11th  1707  Recd  of  Mr  John  Nickolls  Consta: 
of  Topsfield  fifteen  Pounds  six  shillings  and  six  pence  in 
part  recd  for  Mr  James  Taylor  Treasurer  per  Jer  Allene 

Boston  Nover  14th  1707  Recd  of  Mr  John  Nickolls  Consta. 
of  Topsfield  seven  Pounds  & five  shillings  in  full  recd  for 
Mr  James  Taylor  Treasurer  per  John  Wheelwright 

The  four  Copyes  last  above  Entred  are  true  Copyes  as 
Attests  Sam11  Stanley  Clerk 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  yeTown  of  Topsfield  December 
17th  1707  Capt  John  Hows  Bill  of  charge  for  Entertaining  y® 
Commity  was  allowed : which  was  one  Pound  one  shilling 

voted 

Lieu1  Baker  was  allowed  nine  shillings  for  three  Dayes  at 
Boston  as  the  Townes  atturney  againest  Boxford  voted 

Elisha  Perkins  his  Bill  of  charg  was  allowed  wch  was  one 
Pound  one  shilling  for  Sweeping  y®  Meeting  House  & for 
taking  out  a Reccord  at  Boston  & for  making  Hasps  for  ye 
meeting  House  Windows  voted 

Corp11  Jacob  Town  was  allowed  Six  Shillings;  which  he 
could  not  recouer  of  weaver  John  Putnams  Rate  when  He  was 
Constable  voted 


i6o 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


Samuel  Perley  senr  had  liberty  granted  him  to  make  a fire 
in  our  watch  House  on  Saboth  Dayes  at  noontime  so  long  as 
ye  Town  sees  cause  voted 

[132]  Boston  Octor  Ist  1707  Recd  of  Mr  Thomas  Perley 
Consta : of  Topsfield  five  Pounds  fourteen  shillings  and  one 
penney  in  full  recd  for  Mr  James  Taylor  Treasur  per  Jer.  Al- 
lene 

Copia  vera  attests  Sam11  Stanley  Town  Clerke 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  ye  Town  of  Topsfield  ye  28th  of 
Jany  1707  or  8 L4  Tobijah  Perkins  is  chosen  commissioner  to 
cary  in  ye  Towns  Estate  to  the  Shire  Town  voted 

The  Town  chose  ye  present  Selectmen  to  be  Trustees  to 
Joyn  with  the  afore  sd  commissioner  to  assess  the  Towns  Es- 
tate voted 

the  Town  agreed  to  give  mr  Capen  two  Contributions  in 
a year  for  his  Incouragement  to  Preach  Lectures,  the  con- 
tributions to  be  on  Saboth  Dayes  voted 

At  a Lawfull  & General  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Topsfield  on  the  second  Day  of  March  1707  or  8 
Deac.  Samuel  Howlett  is  chosen  Moderator  for  sd  Day 

voted 

Samuel  Stanley  is  chosen  Town  Clerke  for  ye  year  Insuing 

voted 

John  ffrench  and  Amos  Dorman  are  chosen  constables  for 
yeyear  Insuing  voted 

L4  Tobijah  Perkins ; Corp11  Jacob  Town;  Ebenezer  Aver- 
ell ; Isaac  Estey  and  Samuel  Stanley  are  chosen  Selectmen 
for  the  year  Insuing  voted 

Thomas  Perkins;  Thomas  Robinson  and  John  Averell  are 
chosen  Surveyers  of  highwayes  for  the  year  Insuing  voted 

Cap4  John  How  and  Clerk  Elisha  Perkins  are  ffence  viewers 
for  yeyear  Insuing  voted 

Joseph  Borman  ; John  Cummings  & Job  Averell  are  tith- 
ing[men]  for  y*  year  Insuing  voted 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


161 


the  Town  agreed  to  leave  it  to  ye  Selectmen  to  give  Ips- 
which  farms  men  an  answer  to  there  petition  concerning  Seats 
in  ye  Meeting  House  voted 

the  Town  agreed  to  sell  John  Prichitt  Junr  half  an  Acre  of 
Land  on  ye  North  Side  of  Ipswhich  Road  a littell  above  his 
shop  voted 

the  Town  agreed  & chose  L*  Ephraim  Dorman  & Sarj1 
John  Hovey  to  lay  out  ye  above  mentioned  land  voted 

the  Town  agreed  to  adjoyrn  the  meeting  to  ye  next  frie 
Day  comsevenight  voted 

We  whose  Names  are  under  Writon  being  appointed  by 
the  Selectmen  to  measur  the  Land  which  the  Town  is  to 
have  of  Zacheus  Perkins;  in  lue  of  so  much  Land  on  the 
South  Side  of  the  River  as  Shall  be  Judged  aquivilent;  the 
Town  and  Zacheus  Perkins  having  made  an  Exchang;  have 
Measured  the  Said  Land  and  the  Bounds  of  it  are  as  follow- 
eth ; begining  at  a Wallnut  Tree  at  the  Sout[h]  East  Cor- 
ner of  ye  said  Land  and  so  running  Westwardly  to  a heap  of 
Stons  in  Daniel  Clarkes  Line;  and  so  by  Daniel  Clarkes 
Line  to  a popler  Tree  Standing  in  a gutter  in  the  fence; 
and  from  thence  by  the  Town  Common  to  the  Wallnut  Tree 
f[i]rst  mentioned  the  which  by  Measur  Eleaven  Acres  and 
Twenty  two  Rods 

Joseph  Town 
Samuel  Stanley 

We  whose  Names  are  under  Writon  being  Mutaly  Chosen 
by  the  Town  of  Topsfield  and  Zachus  Perkins;  that  is  to  say 
Abraham  How  for  Topsfield  and  Henry  Wilkins  for  Zacheus 
Perkins  to  view  & Determin  the  difference  between  the  above 
mentioned  piece  of  Land  which  the  Said  Perkins  has  lay’d 
Down  to  the  Town:  and  the  Land  which  the  Town  gives  to 
ye  said  Perkins  in  lue  of  it  on  the  South  Side  of  y®  River 
Joyning  to  Lieu1  Perkinses  Lot  and  Wenham  Meadows 
which  accordingly  on  the  16th  Day  of  feby  1707  or  8 have  met 
and  viewed  and  valued  both  pieces  of  Land  above  mention- 
ed ; and  have  Determined  that  the  said  Perkins  shall  have 
Thirteen  Acres  of  the  said  Land  on  the  South  Side  of  ye 


62 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


River  for  the  Land  he  has  layd  down  to  the  Town  on  the 
North  Side  of  ye  River  provided  that  the  way  to  come  at  the 
Clay  ground  may  be  at  the  South  End  of  y*  Said  Clay 
ground  and  so  to  the  Common  and  this  is  our  award  and 
Determination  as  witness  our  Hands 

Abraham  How 
his 

Henry  |-J  Wilkins 
mark 

A true  copy  Attests  Samuel  Stanley  Town  Cler. 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  ye  Town  of  Topsfield  by  adjoyrn- 
ment  from  ye  second  Day  of  March  1707  or  8 to  twelveth 
Day  Currant,  and  then  met  chose  Cap*  John  How  and  L* 
Ephraim  Dorman  to  Serve  on  ye  Jury  of  trials  at  Ipswhich 
Court  next  Insuing  and  Elisha  Perkins  to  be  Grand  Jury 
Man  for  y®  year  Insuing  voted 

the  Town  agreed  that  a Cartway  shall  be  left  between  wen- 
ham  medow  and  Thomas  Townses  medow;  and  that  Land 
which  Zacheus  Perkins  hath  of  the  Town  upon  exchange  on 
y®  South  side  of  ye  River  voted 

the  Town  granted  Liberty  to  some  young  Women  in  ye 
Town  to  make  a hinde  seat  in  ye  East  Gallerie ; the  town 
reserving  their  right  in  y*  Meeting  Hous  voted 

the  Town  granted  and  agreed  that  persons  belonging  to 
the  Town  shall  have  liberty  to  fall  wood  and  Timber  accord^ 
ing  as  they  need  it;  provided  they  carry  away  the  Tops  of 
what  they  fall  as  well  as  the  Bodies  voted 

the  Town  agreed  that  no  .man  in  the  Town  shall  sell  or 
cary  out  of  Town  any  Wood  or  Timber  or  Bark  taking  it 
upon  our  Town  Common  on  the  penalty  of  five  Pounds  per 
load  voted 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  y®  selectmen  12th  Day  of  March 
170 g Thomas  Perkins;  Thomas  Robinson  & John  Averell 
toke  y®  oath  of  surveyers  of  highwayes:  and  Capt  John 
How  & Elisha  Perkins  took  y®  oath  of  ffence  viewers  and 
John  ffrench  and  Amos  Dorman  took  y®  Oath  of  Constables 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS.  1 63 

all  Sworn  by  and  before  the  Selectmen  and  Town  Clerke ; 
Entred  by  order  of  ye  selectmen 

Samuel  Stanley  Clerke 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  ye  Town  of  Topsfield  ye  4th  of 
May  1708  Deac.  Thomas  Dorman  & L1  Tobijah  Perkins  are 
Chosen  to  serve  on  ye  Grand  Jury  at  ye  Superiour  Court  to 
be  holden  at  Ipswhich  on  the  Eighteenth  Day  of  May  Insta1 
and  Lt  Thomas  Baker  Mr  Timothy  Perkins  & Corp11  Ephraim 
Willds  are  chosen  to  serve  on  the  Jury  of  Trials  at  ye  Court 
aforesd  voted 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  ye  Town  of  Topsfield  ye  14th  of 
May  1708.  Lieu1  Thomas  Baker  is  Chosen  Representitive 
for  ye  year  Insuing  voted 

the  Town  granted  Mr  Capen  liberty  to  Improve  ye  Watch 
House  so  far  as  the  Town  hath  Intrestin  it  voted 

secondly  the  Town  granted  Mr  Capen  liberty  to  make  a 
place  in  ye  Watch  to  let  in  more  Light  for  his  conveniency  to 
work  by  voted 

[133]  Wee  whose  Names  are  under  writen  being  appoint- 
ed by  ye  Selectmen  to  lay  out  a highway  from  the  Bridg 
over  ye  River  by  Edward  Putnams  to  John  Nickolsis  and 
from  thence  to  Thomas  Robinsons ; accordingly  we  have 
lay’d  out  ye  said  way  from  : Thomas  Robinsons  as  the  Cart 
way  now  goes  to  John  Nickolsis  house;  and  from  John 
Nickolsis  House  as  y°  way  now  goes  along  by  John  Burtons 
House;  and  so  along  as  the  Cartway  now  goes;  half  the 
way  to  be  vpon  the  Land  of  Mr  Cheeversis : and  halfe  sd 
way  upon  ye  Land  of  Thomas  Robinsons  till  it  comes  so  far 
as  the  way  goes  upon  their  Land : and  so  along  as  the  way 
now  goes  to  Phillip  Knights  House;  and  so  on  as  the  Cart- 
way now  goes  till  it  comes  to  ye  River  by  or  beyond  Edward 
Putnams  House 

Samuel  Stanley 

Dat  3 May  1707  or  8 Joseph  Town 

Copia  vera  as  attests  SamJ1  Stanley  Town  Clerke 

Recd  of  Sarj1  John  Gould  ye  full  sum  commited  to  him  to 


64 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


colect  for  my  vse  & for  the  year  1705.  it  being  39  Pounds 
pay:  and  15  pounds  10  shillings  money:  I say  receid  the 
full  Sum  above  said  per  me  Joseph  Capen 

A true  Copy  as  Attests  Sam11  Stanley  Town  Cler. 

Datd  20th  July  1708 

Boston  January  9th  1706  Recdof  Mr  Jacob  Town  Con- 
sta:  of  Topsfield  by  Mr  John  Gould  Six  Pounds  thirteen 
Shillings  & Nine  pence  in  full  recd  for  Mr  James  Taylor 
Treasurer  per  Jer  Allene 

A true  Copy  as  Attests  Sam11  Stanley  Town  Cler.  for  Tops- 
field 

Boston  SeptenT  18th  1708  Recd  of  Mr  Thomas  Perley 
Consta:  of  Topsfield  Nine  Pounds  sixteen  shillings  & three 
pence  in  full  receved  for  Mr  James  Taylor  Treasur  per  Jer 
Allene 

Copia  vera  as  Attests  Sam11  Stanley  Town  Cler.  for  Tops- 
field 

Boston  3d  1708  Recdof  Mr  Michael  Dwaniell  Consta.  of 
Topsfield  Three  Pounds  and  Ten  Shillings  in  full  recd  for  Mr 
James  Taylor  Treasurer  per  Jer  Allene 

Recd  of  Mr  Thomas  Perley  Constable  of  Topsfield  for  y® 
year  1706  the  full  of  ye  Rate  in  pay  and  money;  that  is  that 
part  of  ye  Rate  Commited  to  him  to  gather  for  ye  use  of  ye 
ministry  in  Topsfield  for  sd  year.  I say  recd  by  me  Joseph 
Capen 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Topsfield  on  the  first  Day  of  March  170®  being  there  Gener- 
al Meeting  Lieu1  Tobijah  Perkins  is  Chosen  Moderator  for  ye 
Day  voted 

Samuel  Stanley  is  Chosen  Town, Clerk  for  ye  year  Insuing 

voted 

John  Hovey  Junr  & Joseph  Town  Tersus  are  Chosen  Con- 
stables for  ye  year  Insuing  voted 

U Tobijah  Perkins;  Corp11  Joseph  Town;  Lt.  Ephraim 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


165 

Dorman : Thomas  Howlett  and  Samuel  Stanley  are  chosen 
Selectmen  for  the  year  Insuing  voted 

Joshua  Town : Nathaniel  Porter  and  Jesse  Dorman  are 
chosen  Surveyers  of  highways  for  the  year  Insuing  voted 

Sarj*  John  Averell  and  Corp11  Ephraim  Willds  are  Chosen 
ffence  viewers  for  the  year  Insuing  voted 

Sarj1  John  Gould;  Timothy  Perkins  Junr  and  John  Curtis 
Junr  are  chosen  Tithing  men  for  the  year  Insuing  voted 

William  Town  is  chosen  Grand  Jury  man  for  y*  year  Insu- 
ing voted 

Sarj1  John  Hovey  and  Michael  Dwaniel  Junr  are  chosen  to 
serve  on  the  Jury  of  Trials  at  Ipswich  Court  next  Insuing 

voted 

Samuel  Stanley  senr  is  Chosen  School  Master  for  the  year 
Insuing  voted 

Benjemen  Bixby  is  Chosen  to  Dig  Graves  in  ye  Town  & 
to  have  three  shillings  and  six  pence  per  Grave  for  all  above 
four  foot  long:  and  two  shillings  for  all  under  four  foot  long 

voted 

Thomas  Dwaniel  and  William  Hobs  are  Chosen  Hawards 
or  field  drivers  for  the  year  Insuing  voted 

the  Town  agreed  to  lay  a restriction  upon  Cuting  of  wood 
and  timber  upon  our  Town  Common  voted 

[134]  and  the  restriction  is  as  followeth:  viz  that  no  Tree 
or  Pole  under  a foot  over  shall  be  Cut  down  upon  our  Town 
Common  on  penalty  of  Ten  Shillings  per  Tree  or  Pole : and 
allso  that  no  Tree  or  Trees  above  a foot  over  shall  be  cut 
d[own]  upon  said  Common  under  the  penalty  of  Twenty 
Shillings  per  Tree  voted 

Mr  Isaac  Peabody  ; Corp11  Daniel  Clarke  ; Phillip  Knight 
and  Isaac  Eastey  Junr  Enter  there  Contryrary  desent 

ye  Ist  Day  of  March  1708-9  Sarj*  Gould;  Timothy  Per- 
kins Junr  & John  Curtis  Junr  being  chosen  tithing-men  for 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


1 66 

the  year  Insuing  were  Sworn  to  ye  faithfull  discharg  of  that 
office  by  ye  Town  Clarke  & ye  SelectMen  on  ye  above  sd 
Day  as  Attests  Sam11  Stanley  Town  Clerk  for  Topsd  and 
John  Hovey  Junr  and  Joseph  Town  Tersus  being  chosen 
Constables  for  ye  Town  of  Topsfield  for  ye  year  Insuing  were 
sworn  to  the  faithfull  discharge  of  that  Officeon  ye  above  sd 
Ist  day  of  March  by  y°Town  Clerke  & SelectMen  as  At- 
tests Sam11  Stanley  Town  Clerke  for  Topsd  and  Nathaniel 
Porter;  Jesse  Dorman  and  Joshua  Town  being  chosen  sur- 
veyers  of  high  Wayes  were  sworn  to  ye  faithfull  discharg  of 
that  office  by  the  Select  Men.  Entred  per  me  Sam  11  Stan- 
ley Town  Clerke  and  John  Averel  and  Corp11  Ephraim 
Willds  took  ye  oath  of  fence  viewers  Entered  per  me  Samuel 
Stanley  Town  Clerke  for  Topsd 

At  a Lawfull  meeting  of  ye  Town  of  Topsfield  on  ye  22d 
Day  of  April  1709  L*  Tobij[a]h  Perkins  is  Representitive 
Chosen  for  ye  year  Insuing  voted 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  ye  Inhabitants  of  ye  Town  of 
Topsfield  on  the  3d  Day  of  May  1709  Thomas  Perkins  senr 
and  Elisha  Perkins  are  Chosen  to  serve  on  the  Grand-Jury 
at  Ipswhich  Superiour  Court  to  be  held  on  ye  3d  tuesDay  of 
May  Instant.  voted 

and  Deac.  Samuel  Howlett,  Sarj*  Daniel  Redington  & 

Ebenezer  Averell  are  Chosen  to  serve  on  the  Jury  of  trials 
at  ye  aforesd  Court  voted 

At  a Meeting  of  ye  Selectmen  May:  9th  1709:  Sarj1 
John  Batchelder  & Sam11  ffisk  Junr  and  William  Rogers  or 
any  two  of  them  are  Chosen  & appointed  & Impowered  to 
Meet  with  such  as  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Selectmen  of 
Topsfield  to  perambulate  the  Bound  line  between  our  Towns 
of  Topsfield  and  Wenham:  and  to  meet  at  the  westerly  End 
of  Causway  on  ye  9th  day  of  may  Instant  at:  9;  of  ye  Clock 
in  ye  morning  by  order  of  the  Selectmen  of  Wenham 

William  fairfield  Town  Clerke 

We  whose  Names  are  under  writen  being  appointed  & 
Impowerd  to  renew  bounds  between  Wenham  and  Tops- 
field being  met  and  have  renewed  the  Bounds 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


167 


may  the  9th  1709  John  Batchelder 

William  Rogers 

Copia  vera  as  Attests  Sam/J  Stanley  Town  Cler. 

At  a lawfull  meeting  of  ye  Inhabitants  of  ye  Town  of  Tops- 
field  it  being  their  General  Town  Meeting  on  ye  first  Day  of 
march  1708-9:  the  Town  agreed  to  lay  a restriction  upon  ye 
Cuting  of  Wood  and  Timber  upon  our  Town  Common 

voted 

the  restriction  is  as  followeth : viz:  that  no  Tree  or  Pole 
under  a foot  over  shall  be  cut  down  upon  our  Town  Com- 
mon under  ye  penalty  of  Ten  Shillings  per  Tree  or  Pole: 
and  allso  that  no  Tree  or  Trees  above  a foot  over  shall  be 
Cut  down  upon  said  Common  under  the  penalty  of  Twente 
Shillings  per  Tree  voted 

this  is  a true- Copy  as  it  stands  Entred  in  Topsfield  Re- 
cords as  Attests  Sam11  Stanley  Town  Clerke  for  Topsfield 

Essex,  fs.  Att  a General  Sessions  of  ye  peace  holden  at  Ips- 
wich march  29,  1709  the  above  By-Laws  were  Read  Consid- 
ered allowe[d]  and  confirmed 

Attest  Stephen  Sewall  Cler. 

We  whose  Names  are  under  writen  Being  Chosen  by  ye 
Towne  of  Salem  & Topsfield  to  perambulate  y®  Bounds  be- 
tween sd  Towns  have  accordingly  owned  and  renewed  them 
unto  a red  oak  Tree  with  a heap  of  Stones  at  it  commonly 
called  or  known  to  be  by  crumwells  Rock  and  from  thence 
to  a heap  of  stons  between  three  white  oke  Trees  by  a great 
Ash  Swamp  ; then  to  a heap  of  stons  near  Nickolsis  Brook 
then  to  a dry  Tree  fallen  down  with  a heap  of  stons  near 
Nickolsis  Brook  then  to  a dry  Tree  fallen  down  with  a heap 
of  stons  at  it;  near  the  head  of  Smiths  medow;  then  to  a 
crotched  Black  Oak  Tree  Near  [135]  Wheell  Brook  and  thence 
to  a white  oak  Tree  with  Stons  at  it  near  Wenham  highway. 

Dated  April  Eighteenth  Day  1709 

for  Topsfield  for  Salem 

John  How  Peter  Osgood 

Ephraim  [ ] 

Tobijah  Perkins 


i68 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


Copia  vera  attests  Samuel  Stanley  Town  Clerke  for  Tops- 
field 

Wee  whose  Names  are  hereunto  Subscribed;  being  ap- 
pointed by  Ipswich  and  Topsfield  for  Perambulation  on  ye 
Bounds  between  said  towns  Respectively;  have  mett  the 
twenty  fifth  of  this  Instant  & have  Renewed  ye  Bounds  as 
followeth ; beginning  att  the  Apple  Tree  in  U Thomas  Per- 
leys  field ; thence  to  a Black  Oak  Tree  with  Stons  at  it 
thence  to  a whitt  oak  Tree  marked  with  Stons  at  it;  near  y* 
Pond  called  Mr  Bakers  Pond  so  on  a straight  Line  to  ye 
Pond;  thence  as  ye  Pond  runs  to  a White  oak  Tree  marked 
with  Stons  at  it;  at  ye  South  East  corner  of  sd  pond  next 
ffosters;  thence  to  a Black  oak-Tree  wth  Stons  at  it;  nex[t] 
to  a wallnutt  Tree  wth  Stons  at  it;  thence  to  Crotched  Red 
oak  tree  wth  Stons  in  ye  crotch  ; next  to  a Red  oak  tree  wth 
Stones  at  it;  next  to  an  olde  white  oak  tree  in  Jacob 
ffosters  field;  and  so  on  a Straight  Line  to  Mr  Symon- 
sis  farm  so  called ; and  then  sd  farme  to  be  ye  Bound 
till  it  corns  to  a stake  by  or  near  a Spring  near  ye  corner  of 
Mr  Winthrops  farme  in  a Meadow  from  thence  to  a stake  & 
stons  at  it;  on  ye  Side  of  Mr  Pains  Hill  so  called:  then 
from  sd  Stake  westwardly  to  a Stake  & Heap  of  Stons;  and 
so  on  a line  to  ye  Brook  that  runs  to  William  Howletts 
Hous  then  as  ye  Brook  Runs  into  Ipswich  River. 

Ipswich  Men  Topsfield  Men 

William  Howlett  Samuel  Howlett 

Nathaniel  Hart  Thomas  Perley 

Phillip  ffowler 

May  25th  1709 

Copia  vera  as  Attests  Sam11  Stanley  Town  Clerke  for  Tops- 
field 

This  6th  of  October  1709  we  whose  Names  are  Subscribed; 
have  according  as  we  were  Impowered  by  ye  Selectmen ; 
lay’d  out  a highway  for  our  Town  to  ye  Clay  Pites:  and  allso 
for  Beverley  and  Wenham  Men  to  cary  ther  Hay  according 
to  our  Town  order;  begining  at  the  Medow  by  Thomas 
Townses  so  by  the  fence  on  ye  left  hand  and  a white  oak  on  the 
right  hand  Marked  : and  so  on  between  the  fence  & aBlack  oak 
marked  and  so  on  between  Thomas  Townes  fence  on  ye  left 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


169 

hand:  and  Zachcus  Perkins  his  fence  on  the  right  hand: 
and  so  upon  a Ridg  to  a white  oak  marked  on  the  left ; and 
still  on  y®  Ridg  about  Tenn  Rods;  and  then  leveing  y®  Ridg 
on  the  right  hand:  and  a swamp  on  ye  left  till  it  comes  to 
two  white  oaks  Marked  one  on  the  Right  hand  the  other  on 
the  left:  and  so  to  the  Clay-Pites;  and  so  on  leaving  ye 
Clay  Pites  on  the  left  hand  ; and  so  through  Zacheus  Per- 
kinses fence  to  two  White  Oaks  marked  on  Each  Side ; and 
y*  medow  on  the  left  hand  untill  it  come  to  two  Blacke  Oaks 
marked  on  Each  side  of  y*  wav : and  so  into  a usall  Cartways 
from  Wenham  Medows  to  a White  Oak  Tree  and  a Black 
Oak  Tree  marked  on  Each  side  y®  highway;  and  so  along 
the  Cartway  to  Wenham  Causway  so  Called 

John  How 
Tobijah  Perkins 
Ephraim  Dorman 

Copia  vera  as  Attests  Samuel  Stanley  Towne  Clerke  for 
Topsfield 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  ye  Town  of  Topsfield  ye  thir- 
teenth Day  of  December  1709  the  Town  allowed  Nathaniel 
Averell  the  money  that  was  Due  from  Mr  Endicotts  farm  to 
y®  Town  for  ye  time  sd  Averell  was  Constable  voted 

Topsfield  June  ye  third  1706  At  a lawfull  Meeting  of  ye 
SelectMen ; then  appointed  and  Chose  Corp11  John  Curtis; 
Sarj1  Daniel  Redington  and  Elisha  Perkins  to  go  & lay  out 
the  way  for  Beverley  Men  from  Wenham  Land  near  the 
Causey  to  ye  Meadow  near  Thomas  Townses 

a true  copy  Entred  per  Elisha  Perkins  in  y®  name 

Sam11  Sanley  Town  Cler.  of  ye  rest  of  ye  Selectmen  of 
Datd  Decemr  14th  1709  Topsfield 

We  whose  Names  are  under  writen  ; being  Chosen  to  lay 
out  a way  for  Beverley  Men  from  Wenham  land  near  ye 
Casey  to  ye  medow  near  Thomas  Townses ; have  met  this 
first  day  of  July  1706  & have  lay’d  out  ye  way  two  Rods 
wide:  begining  at  ye  meadow;  the  first  are  Stakes  with 
Stons  at  them  on  Either  side  y®  way ; and  ye  way  is  ye 
plane  beaten  Roade  up  the  first  Hill  with  Trees  marked; 
and  then  turning  to  y®  right  with  trees  marked  till  it  comes 


70 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


to  ye  great  Hill ; and  then  ye  plain  path  till  it  comes  to  Wen 
ham  Land  ; with  Trees  marked  all  the  way. 

this  is  a true  copy  Entred  John  Curtis 

per  Sam11  Stanley  Town  Daniel  Redington 

Cler.  Elisha  Perkins 

Datd  Decemr  14th  1709 

[136]  Recd  of  Consta1*  Perkins;  Consta  : Timothy  Perkins; 
who  was  Constable  for  the  year  1695  I say  Received  of  him 
this  20th  Day  of  ye  10th  month  1709  Mr  Endicotts  Rates;  in 
pay  & money  for  ye  above  sd  year,  which  was  16  shillings  pay 
and  5 shillings  money  I owing  said  Perkins  for  Bricks;  he 
accepting  so  much  as  Payed  by  me  Joseph  Capen 

Accepted  of  Constable  Nathaniel  Averell  the  full  of  whot 
he  was  to  colect  as  Constable  for  ye  year  1702  there  being 
about  Twenty  shillings  behinde  to  be  colected  by  him ; 
which  on  his  word  to  see  it  done  to  my  Satisfaction  I have 
accepted  it  as  allready  done;  I say  accepted  it  as  in  full  for 
that  year  this  20th  Day  of  ye  10th  month  1709  by  me  Joseph 
Capen 

Boston  Novemr  21st  1709  Rec4  of  John  ffrench  Consta. 
of  Topsfield  Eighteen  pounds  five  shillings  & Tenn  pence  in 
full  recd  for  Mr  James  Taylor  Treasurer  per  Jn°  Whell- 
wright 

may  14th  1709  then  or  before  Received  of  Constable 
Thomas  Howlett  the  full  of  what  was  Commited  to  him  to 
gather  for  ye  use  of  ye  ministry  in  Topsfield  for  ye  Year  1704 
I say  received  by  me  then  or  before  the  full  both  in  pay  or 
money  per  me  Joseph  Capen 

A true  Copy  as  Attests  Samuel  Stanley  Town  Cler. 

Recd  of  Corp11  Joseph  Town  as  constable  for  ye  year  1697 
ye  full  of  Rates  wear  commited  to  him  to  colect  for  my  use 
I say  rec’d  in  full  this  17th  day  of  September  1707-8  \_sic~] 
then  or  before  me  Joseph  Capen 

Copia  vera  Attests  Sam11  Slanley  Town  Clerke 

Att  a Lawfull  & General  meeting  of  the  Town  of  Tops- 


OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


171 

field  on  ye  seventh  Day  of  march  one  Thousand  Seven  Hun- 
dred and  Nine  or  Ten  Deac  : Samuel  Howlett  is  chosen  mod- 
erator for  ye  Day  voted 

Samuel  Stanley  is  Chosen  Town  Clerke  for  ye  year  Insu- 
ing voted 

Thomas  Robinson  & Zacheus  Gould  are  chosen  Contables 
for  the  year  Insuing  voted 

Clerke  Elisha  Perk [i] ns  Jacob  Town  Ebenezer  Averell 
John  Curtis  and  Samuel  Stanley  are  chosen  Select  men  for 
ye  year  Insuing  voted 

John  Prichitt;  John  Burton  and  Jacob  Robinson  are  chos- 
en Surveyersof  high-wayes  for  ye  year  Insuing;  voted 

Jacob  Estey  and  John  Town  are  chosen  ffence- viewers  for 
the  year  Insuing  voted 

Lieu1  Ephraim  Dorman:  Thomas  Howlett  and  John 
french  are  chosen  Tything[men]  for  the  year  Insuing  voted 

Zacheus  Perkin[s]  and  John  Dwaniel  are  chosen  field 
Drivers  for  ye  year  Insuing  voted 

Isaac  Estey  is  chosen  to  serue  on  ye  Grand  Jury  for  ye 
year  Insuing  voted 

Corp11  Joseph  Town  and  Joseph  Gould  are  chosen  to  Serve 
on  ye  Jury  of  trials  at  next  Cour[t]  to  be  holden  at  Ips- 
which  next  after  ye  date  hereof 

The  above  named  Town  Officers  wear  all  sworn  to  ye 
fathfull  discharge  thier  respective  offices  by  the  Select  men 
on  ye  above  sd  7th  Day  of  march  1709  or  10  as  attests  Sam- 
uel Stanley  Town  Clerke  forTopsfield 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  ye  Town  ofTopsfield  on  ye  Ninth 
Day  may  1710  Capt  John  How  and  Dec11  Thomas  Dorman 
are  Chosen  to  serve  on  the  Grand  Jury  at  the  next  Superi- 

our  Court  to  be  holden  at  Ipswhich  on  ye  third  TuesDay  of 
May  Ins1  voted 

And  Sarj1  Daniel  Clarke,  Thomas  Howlett  and  Nathaniel 


72 


EARLY  RECORDS  OF  THE  TOWN 


Averell  are  chosen  to  serve  on  ve  Jury  of  trials  at  ye  above 
sd  Court  voted 

At  a Lawfull  meeting  of  ye  Town  of  Topsfield  on  ye  13th 
of  Septemr  1710  Phillip  Knight  is  chosen  to  serve  on  yeJury 
of  trials  at  Newbury  Court  voted 

Recd  of  John  Hovey  former  Constable  ye  sum  of  foure 
Pounds  and  one  shilling  of  ye  accou4  of  ye  county  Rate  for 
y®  Town  of  Topsfield  it  being  in  full  for  their  proportion 
per  John  Appleton  County  Treas 

Ipswh  Sep4  7,  1710 

Copia  vera  Attests  Sam11  Stanley  Town  Clerk  for  Tops 

[137]  Boston  Novemr  14th  1710  Recd  of  Mr  John  Hovey 
Consta1  of  Topsfield  Sixteen  Pounds  seven  shillings  & five 
pence  in  full  recd  for  Mr  James  Taylor  Treas  per  John  Wheel- 
wright 

Copia  vera  Attest  Sam11  Stanley  Town  Clerke  for  Tops- 
field. 

Boston  Novemr  28th  1710  Recd  of  Mr  Zacheus  Gould 
consta  of  Topsfield  Twenty  Eight  Pounds  Seven  shillings  in 
Part  recd  for  Mr  James  Taylor  Treas  per  Jer.  allene 

Copia  vera  Attests,  Sam11  Stanley  Cler. 

At  a Lawfull  meeting  of  ye  Inhabitants  of  y®  Town  of 
Topsfield  January  3d  1710-11  Zacheus  Gould  is  chosen  to 
prosecute  any  that  have  or  shall  cut  down  Wood  or  Timber 
upon  our  Town  Common  Contrary  to  y®  Town  order  voted 

Boston  September  20th  1710  Recd  of  Consta  Joseph  Town 
of  Topsfield  thirteen  Pounds  and  three  shillings  in  full:  recd 
for  Mr  James  Taylor  Tresr.  per  Jer.  Allene 

At  a Lawfull  Meeting  of  the  Town  of  Topsfield  it  being 
there  General  Town  Meeting  on  the  Sixth  Day  of  March 
1910-11  Leivt.  Tobijah  Perkins  is  chosen  Moderator  for 
the  Day  voted 

Samuel  Stanley  is  Chosen  Town  Clerke  for  y®  year  In- 
suing  voted 


( To  be  continued.) 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF 


NEHEMIAH  KNEELAND, 
PIONEER  OF  TOPSFIELD,  MAINE. 


Died,  in  Topsfield,  Maine,  suddenly,  of  heart  disease,  on  June 
28th,  1869,  Mr.  Nehemiah  Kneeland.  He  was  the  son  of 
Aaron  and  Hannah  (RamsdellJ  Kneeland  and  was  born  in 
Topsfield,  in  our  county  of  Essex,  May  5th,  1789,  and  being 
one  of  a large  family  of  children,  which  increased  in  numbers 
beyond  the  capacity  of  the  paternal  mansion,  it  became  ne- 
cessary that  the  older  boys  should  step  out  to  give  place  to 
those  who  were  coming  after,  and  Nehemiah,  having  grown 
to  the  stature  of  a man,  with  a will  and  courage  proportion- 
ate to  a good  share  of  physical  strength,  about  1808  start- 
ed off  to  make  his  own  fortune.  As  the  then  district  of 
Maine  was  comparatively  a wilderness,  and  the  current  of 
emigration  had  not  at  that  time  began  its  flow  towards  the 
West,  he  directed  his  course  towards  the  East,  and  made  his 
first  stopping  place  in  the  (then)  little  town  of  Harrison,  Me., 
which  at  that  time  had  but  comparatively  a handful  of  inhabit- 
ants. There  he  remained  about  ten  years,  when  the  popula- 
tion became  so  thick, — the  houses  getting  within  some  half 
mile  of  each  other,  and  having  left  his  father’s  house  to  find 
room,  Harrison  soon  lost  its  charms  for  him,  and  he  deter- 
mined to  penetrate  the  wilderness  still  farther,  and  from  Har- 
rison he  moved  northwardly  to  the  “rural  district”  of  Lin- 
coln, which  was  then  a small  township  with  few  inhabitants. 

(173) 


7 4 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF 


There  he  stayed  eight  years,  when  he  began  to  feel  the  same 
annoyances  which  caused  him  to  leave  Harrison,  the  popula- 
tion becoming  too  dense,  the  neighbors  getting  within  a mile 
or  so  towards  him,  with  a young  family  of  his  own,  and  that 
(like  his  father’s)  still  expanding,  he  formed  another  deter- 
mination to  make  one  more  move,  and  as  a large  portion  of 
Maine  was  an  unbroken  wilderness  he  determined  to  pene- 
trate its  trackless  forests  far  beyond  the  haunts  of  civilized 
man,  and  with  no  other  guide  or  assistant  than  the  man  who 
drove  his  team  of  oxen  thither,  he  directed  his  attention  and 
packed  on  his  sled  his  household  effects  and  farming  imple- 
ments, topping  his  load  with  his  wife  (she  was  Mary  Goodhue 
of  Salem)  and  seven  children,  (5  boys  and  2 daughters),  and 
started  in  February,  1832,  through  a pathless  wilderness  and 
untrodden  snow  of  two  or  three  feet  deep — with  no  shelter  to 
protect  them  from  the  severity  of  the  storms  and  weather. 
None  but  a man  of  determined  will  and  undaunted  courage 
would  hazard  the  undertaking,  but  he  was  a man  just  adapt- 
ed to  the  task,  to  qualify  him  for  a successful  pioneer.  With 
axe  in  hand,  felling  trees  and  clearing  away  the  underbrush  to 
make  a path  for  the  patient  oxen  as  they  drew  all  of  this 
earth  most  dear  to  him,  patiently  and  perseveringly  he  cut 
his  way  for  thirteen  wearisome  days  and  nights;  and  on  the 
morning  of  the  fourteenth  day  he  made  a final  stop,  unpacked 
his  load  and  sent  back  his  man.  His  first  business  was  to 
cut  and  prepare  logs  and  build  a snug,  warm  cabin  and  then 
to  commence  clearing  a patch  for  the  cultivation  of  a crop 
the  coming  summer,  and  to  learn  the  geographical  location  of 
his  whereabouts.  He  found  himself  located  in  what  was  set 
down  on  the  chart  of  the  “District  of  Maine”  as  “No.  8.” 
The  new  and  rich  soil  gave  him  a bountiful  harvest;  the 
streams  were  abundant  in  trout;  wild  game,  such  as  moose, 
deer,  and  bear,  were  as  plenty  as  might  be  desired  and  easily 
captured. 

As  his  five  sons  and  two  daughters  grew  up,  one  after  an- 
other found  their  way  into  the  outer  world  and  took  to  them- 
selves partners  to  share  the  responsibilities  of  life  in  Section 
No.  8.  As  building  materials  were  abundant,  with  a fine 
stream  of  water  and  good  mill  privilege,  they  built  mills  for 
sawing  their  logs  into  lumber  and  built  them  houses.  And 


NEHEMIAH  KNEELAND. 


75 


as  the  romance  of  the  father  wore  away,  and  seeing  the  ne- 
cessity of  a more  dense  population  which  would  create  a 
market  for  the  lumber  which  the  saw  was  turning  out,  as 
well  as  the  introduction  of  social  and  moral  advantages 
which  his  family  needed,  inducements  were  held  out  for  set- 
tlers to  come  in.  As  “No.  8”  implied  nothing  but  a wilder- 
ness, it  was  thought  proper  to  incorporate  it  into  a town  with 
a name  and  in  1838  Mr.  Kneeland  applied  to  the  Legislature, 
and  by  his  own  request  had  it  incorporated  as  the  town  of 
Topsfield,  naming  it  after  the  place  of  his  nativity  in  Mass- 
achusetts. Emigration  soon  commenced  to  set  towards 
Topsfield.  Its  rich  alluvial  soil  invited  the  farmer;  the  vast 
extent  of  the  mighty  forest,  with  excellent  water  privileges 
for  converting  its  timber  into  lumber  by  building  saw  mills,  the 
lumber  men  and  mechanics  of  different  trades.  Soon  the  rough 
log  houses  gave  way  to  pretty  cottages,  after  a New  Eng- 
land model.  With  this  steady  increase  both  by  birth  and  em- 
igration it  has  now  attained  to  a population  that  supports  a 
post  office,  two  religious  societies,  and  several  school  houses. 
Instead  of  the  ox-cart  and  sled,  the  horse  and  buggy  in  sum- 
mer, and  the  sleigh  in  winter  are  used.  All  this  took  place 
under  the  observation  of  Mr.  Kneeland,  who  in  his  own  day 
saw  the  “wilderness  bud  and  blossom  like  the  rose,”  and  be- 
come one  of  the  most  thriving  towns  in  Washington  County. 
Mr.  Kneeland  always  maintained  an  integrity  of  character 
which  he  inherited  from  his  father  (“Elder  Kneeland,”  as 
he  was  called),  and  enjoyed  the  confidence  and  respect  which 
was  due  to  him  who  first  planted  the  standard  of  civilization 
on  the  soil  trodden  before  him  by  none  other  than  the  savage 
and  the  wild  beast.  Like  a patriarch  of  old  he  looked  upon 
the  inhabitants  as  his  children  and  in  return  was  looked  up 
to  with  the  reverence  due  to  him ; and  at  his  death  was 
“gathered,”  not  “with  his  fathers,”  but  beneath  the  soil  of 
his  adoption;  and  though  dead,  his  name  will  be  as  perpetu- 
al as  that  of  the  town. 


MRS.  ELLEN  AUGUSTA  (HOOD)  WELCH. 


Mrs.  Ellen  Augusta  (Hood)  Welch,  who  died  in  Tops- 
field,  March  13,  1906,  was  the  youngest  daughter  of  John 
Gould  and  Sarah  Brown  Hood,  and  was  born  in  Topsfield, 
August  22,  1839,  being  of  the  sixth  generation  from  Richard 
Hood,  the  immigrant,  who  settled  in  Lynn,  Mass.,  about 
1650.  She  was  in  her  younger  days  a student  of  the  then 
famous  Topsfield  Academy,  instituted  June  12,  1828,  and 
was  a member  of  the  committee  in  charge  of  the  Reunion  of 
the  Teachers  and  Students  of  the  Academy,  held  August  12, 
1897.  She  was  a charter  member  of  the  Topsfield  Histori- 
cal Society.  February  6,  1861,  she  was  married  at  Ipswich, 
by  Rev.  Daniel  Fitz,  to  William  Welch  of  Newburyport, 
who,  together  with  three  sons,  William  Brown,  of  Plymouth, 
Justin  Hood,  and  Leone  Parker  of  Topsfield,  survive  her. 

Mrs.  Welch  was  a woman  of  a bright,  keen  intellect,  fair 
minded  to  a degree,  and  when  once  her  friendship  had  been 
won,  it  was  a friendship  unswerving  to  the  end.  Her  inter- 
ests included  the  Congregational  church,  anything  apper- 
taining to  the  welfare  of  the  town,  and  current  events,  to 
each  of  which  she  was  ever  ready  to  lend  her  aid,  although 
of  a most  retiring  disposition,  never  putting  herself  forward 
or  in  any  way  making  herself  conspicuous.  To  those  of  her 
friends  less  fortunate  than  herself,  she  was  ever  kind  and  sym- 
pathetic. Above  all  else  Mrs.  Welch  was  a “home  woman.” 
To  her,  the  love  of  home,  husband,  and  children  was  para- 
mount. Her  first  idea  of  duty  seemed  to  be  that  of  minis- 
tering to  their  needs,  to  create  a happy  home  life,  in  short 
— to  be  a wife  and  mother  in  the  fullest,  deepest  sense  of 
the  term.  She  was  a great  lover  of  the  truth,  and  during 
many  years  of  personal  friendship,  the  writer  never  heard  her 
speak  ill  of  any  one  or  take  part  in  petty  gossip,  choosing 
for  herself  higher  ideals.  Her  “going  home”  has  been  a 
great  loss  to  her  family  and  those  chosen  friends  who  knew 
her  best. 


(1 76) 


ft 

I 


Mrs.  Ellen  A.  (Hood)  Welch. 


ALBERT  WEBSTER. 


Albert  Webster,  long  one  of  Boston’s  prominent  business 
men,  died  at  his  home  in  Topsfield,  November  8,  1902. 
He  was  the  son  of  Jonathan  P.  and  Susan  (Knight)  Chap- 
man and  was  born  in  Ipswich,  March  16,  1824.  At  the  age 
of  seven  he  was  bound  out  in  Topsfield  where  he  remained 
until  he  was  fourteen  when  he  ran  away  and  at  last  found  em 
ployment  in  a bakery  at  Lowell.  About  this  time  he  changed 
his  name  to  Webster.  He  soon  made  his  way  to  Boston 
where  he  found  work  in  a candy  store  at  3 Brattle  street  and 
where,  at  the  age  of  twenty,  he  went  into  business  for  him- 
self, continuing  there  until  1861,  when  he  established  on 
Washington  street  the  first  exclusively  confectioner’s  estab- 
lishment in  Boston.  Here,  under  the  old  Marlboro  Hotel, 
he  sold  candy  until  the  building  was  demolished  in  1876,  and 
Webster’s  candy  was  the  acknowledged  standard  of  excel- 
lence. Later  he  was  in  business  on  Temple  place  and  on 
Tremont  street.  He  had  been  a member  of  the  Ancient  and 
Honorable  Artillery  Company  since  1846  and  his  splendid 
figure  always  attracted  attention  among  the  Ancients,  where 
he  was  noted  for  his  dignified  and  noble  bearing.  He  was 
also  a 32d  degree  Mason  of  the  Massachusetts  Consistory, 
and  a charter  member  of  the  Topsfield  Historical  Society. 
Advancing  years  and  new  methods  of  business  caused  his 
retirement  in  1890  since  when  he  had  lived  at  his  country 
place  in  Topsfield.  Mr.  Webster  had  three  daughters  and 
one  son  by  his  first  wife,  Catherine  Falvey.  Later  he  married 
Mary  F.  Loring,  a member  of  the  Choate  family.  His  son 
was  betrothed  to  Una  Hawthorne,  daughter  of  Nathaniel  Haw- 
thorne, the  celebrated  Romancer,  but  he  died  before  the  mar- 
riage while  on  a voyage  to  Honolulu. 

HARRIET  E.  TODD. 


On  the  8th  of  April,  1905,  occurred  the  death  of  Miss  Har- 
riett E.  Todd.  She  was  one  of  the  charter  members  of  the 
Historical  Society  and  always  felt  a deep  interest  in  its  well- 
fare.  For  the  three  years  previous  to  her  death  she  held  the 
office  of  curator. 


(177) 


i78 


NECROLOGY. 


Miss  Todd  was  born  in  Topsfield  on  October  31st,  1843, 
and  was  the  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Harriett  ( Chase)  Todd. 
The  greater  part  of  her  life  was  spent  in  her  native  town, 
where  she  was  loved  and  respected  by  all  who  knew  her.  In 
her  character  was  blended  the  fearless  integrity  of  her  New 
England  forefathers  with  a gentle  and  unselfish  disposition  of 
her  own.  On  March  3rd,  1 895 , she  joined  the  Congregational 
church  and  was  always  a ready  and  willing  worker  for  its  inter- 
est and  gave  liberally  for  its  support  She  was  an  active  mem- 
ber of  the  Women’s  Missionary  Society  and  many  a strug- 
gling missionary  has  felt  her  interest  and  support.  In  the  La- 
dies’ Society  and  Sunday  School  she  was  an  untiring  worker. 

IRA  PERLEY  LONG. 


Ira  Perley  Long,  the  son  of  Henry  and  Catherine  (Perley) 
Long,  was  born  at  Topsfield,  Mass.,  February  20,  1857,  an<3 
died  there  on  December  30,  1903.  He  married,  July  29, 
1877,  Harriet  Lake  Follansbee,  daughter  of  Moses  C.  and 
Martha  (Wayland)  Follansbee,  who  died  October  1,  1893. 
Five  children  were  born  to  them  ; Ethel  Catherine  and  Ruth 
Alice,  who  died  Sept.  I,  1893;  Henry  Follansbee,  and  Will- 
iam Chester,  and  Perley  Lamont  who  died  May  9,  1888. 
December  14,  1898,  he  married  Laura  Anna  Cummings, 
daughter  of  Alfred  and  Salome  M.  (Welch)  Cummings. 
He  began  to  learn  the  trade  of  blacksmithing,  in  the  shop 
founded  by  his  father,  but  then  carried  on  by  the  firm  of 
Hurd  and  McLane.  After  staying  a year  with  them,  he 
moved  to  Danvers,  where  he  was  employed  by  Michael  Buck- 
ley,  who  ran  a shop  at  the  “Port.”  Finishing  his  appren- 
ticeship, he  returned  to  Topsfield,  and  in  1877,  bought  J.  B. 
McLane’s  share  of  the  business,  where  he  began  his  appren- 
ticeship. After  a few  years  of  partnership  with  D.  E.  Hurd 
he  purchased  the  part  owned  by  Mr.  Hurd,  and  carried  on 
the  business  under  his  own  name  until  his  death.  He  was 
one  of  the  best  known  men  in  the  vicinity,  and  respected  and 
loved  by  all  who  knew  him.  He  was  a member  of  the  Inde- 
pendent Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  also  a member  of  the  An- 
cient Order  of  United  Workmen.  He  was  a charter  member 
of  the  Topsfield  Historical  Society. 


.JOHN  AVERELL  GOULD 


JOHN  AVERELL  GOULD. 


John  Averell  Gould  died  at  his  home,  18  Sutherland  Road, 
Boston,  January  30,  1906.  He  was  elected  a member  of  the 
Topsfield  Historical  Society,  October  2,  1896.  He  was  born 
in  Topsfield,  Mass.,  March  6,  1819,  and  was  the  son  of  John 
and  Mary  (Averell)  Gould,  and  a direct  descendant  from 
Zaccheus  Gould  who  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  town. 
At  one  time  he  and  his  son,  Capt.  John  Gould,  were  the 
largest  land  owners  in  the  region  of  Topsfield.  Among  his 
ancestors  will  be  found  many  of  the  best-known  Essex 
County  family  names,  including  those  of  Peabody,  Apple- 
ton,  Dudley,  Bradstreet,  Foster,  Capen,  Emerson,  Robinson 
and  Baker. 

Mr.  Gould  graduated  at  the  Topsfield  Academy,  and 
taught  school  in  Beverly,  North  Reading,  and  Manchester, 
settling  in  Woburn  in  1850,  and  was  identified  with  musical 
matters  in  that  town,  being  organist  of  the  Congregational 
Church,  and  composing  a number  of  pieces  of  music  which 
were  favorably  received.  He  moved  to  Chelsea  in  1863  and 
was  a prominent  member  of  the  old  Chestnut  St.  Congrega- 
tional Church  in  that  city,  and  served  on  the  Chelsea  school 
committee  several  years,  and  also  was  a member  of  the  Com- 
mon Council.  While  teaching  school  in  Manchester  he 
married,  October  5,  1845,  Elizabeth  Cheever  Leach,  daughter 
of  Capt.  Benjamin  Leach,  of  that  town.  After  the  death  of 
his  wife,  in  1893,  he  moved  to  Boston,  where  he  resided  until 
his  death.  After  teaching  school  for  several  years,  he  entered 
the  law  office  of  Gardiner  G.  Hubbard — one  of  the  earliest 
owners  in  the  American  Bell  Telephone  Company,  and  whose 
daughter  became  the  wife  of  Alexander  Graham  Bell.  La- 
ter, Mr.  Gould  associated  himself  in  business  with  his  uncle, 
Dr.  John  Porter,  of  Wenham,  under  the  firm  name  of  John 
Porter  & Company,  who  were  pioneers  in  the  manufacture 
of  Porter’s  Patent  Burning  Fluid — so  extensively  used  before 
petroleum  was  discovered.  Later,  he  was  associated  with 
his  son,  under  the  name  of  Gould  & Co.,  in  the  paint  and 
oil  business,  and  since  1889  had  been  a Director  in  the 
Gould  & Cutler  Corporation,  of  which  his  son,  George 
L.  Gould,  is  President.  Mr.  Gould  had  thus  been  identified 
with  the  oil  and  paint  business  of  Boston  for  fifty- three  years, 

(179) 


i8o 


NECROLOGY. 


and  his  record  during  all  this  time  was  that  of  a high-mind- 
ed, old-fashioned,  respected  merchant.  He  was  always  in- 
terested in  matters  pertaining  to  Essex  County  and  particu- 
larly his  birthplace,  Topsfield,  where  his  son  has  built  a mod- 
ern residence,  the  estate  now  being  known  as  “Pinelands.” 
He  left  six  children — one  son  and  five  daughters,  among  the 
latter  being  Elizabeth  Porter  Gould,  the  well  known  literary 
woman  and  authoress.  He  was  buried  at  the  family  lot  in 
Pine  Grove  Cemetery,  Topsfield,  February  2,  1906. 

SARAH  PERKINS  DWINELL. 


Sarah  Perkins,  daughter  of  John  and  Louisa  Richards 
Dwinell,  was  born  in  Topsfield,  Nov.  22,  1822.  Her  early 
education  was  acquired  at  the  district  school  in  the  southern 
part  of  the  town.  After  completing  her  studies  at  the  Tops- 
field Academy  she  was  offered  the  position  of  teacher  in  the 
village  school,  but  declined  the  offer,  partly  on  account  of 
her  health,  which  was  never  robust,  and  also  because  she 
thought  she  was  needed  at  home.  She  was  a woman  of  a 
broad  mind  and  of  a keen  intellect.  She  possessed  a reten- 
tive memory  and  could  furnish  information  in  regard  to 
affairs  of  the  church  and  town  nearly  to  the  last.  She  was 
an  ardent  genealogist,  and  assisted  Dr.  Dunnel  of  New  York 
City  in  the  preparation  of  the  Dunnell — Dwinell  Genealogy 
which  was  published  in  1852.  She  was  an  artist  of  consid- 
able  ability,  and  not  only  could  draw  from  nature  but  could 
produce  very  life-like  portraits.  The  portrait  of  the  Rev. 
Anson  McLoud  which  she  drew,  she  prized  very  highly. 
It  was  pronounced  by  Mrs.  McLoud  to  be  the  best  picture 
of  her  husband  she  had  ever  seen.  She  was  a constant  read- 
er, especially  of  the  Bible,  which  she  read  through  every 
year,  and  was  always  ready  to  give  an  answer  to  any  ques- 
tion referred  to  her  which  might  be  found  therein.  She  was 
a charter  member  of  the  Topsfield  Historical  Society,  and 
died  July  18,  1905. 


VITAL  STATISTICS  OF  TOPSFIELD,  MASS. 


FOR  THE  YRAR  1905. 


BIRTHS. 


1905. 

Jan.  8.  Donald  Elbridge,  son  of  Wm.  H.  and  Margaret  Lena  (Cullinane)  Walsh. 
Feb.  20.  Claudine,  dau.  of  Melvin  White  and  Bessie  Evelyn  (Welch)  Smerage. 
Mar.  18.  Harry  Warren,  son  of  Timothy  Jesse  and  Edith  Alma  (Smith)  Fuller. 
Apr.  11.  Ellen,  dau.  of  James  Francis  and  Mary  Agnes  (Sheehan)  Creedon. 

Apr.  16.  Robert  Russell,  son  of  Herbert  and  Alice  B.  (Johnson)  Lewis. 

Apr.  26.  Gertrude  Genevieve,  dau.  of  Thomas  F.  and  Fannie  (O’Dea)  Cass. 
May  20.  Vivian  May,  dau.  of  Willie  Albert  and  Grace  Edith  (Pierce)  Fuller. 
May  21.  Ruth  Esther,  dau.  of  Frederick  Maxamillian  and  Cora  Pearl  (Knee- 
land)  Williams. 

July  15.  Bernard,  son  of  Albert  Herman  and  Josie  (Tinkham)  Davison. 

Tuly  27.  Frank  E.,  son  of  Charles  Augustus  and  Phoebe  Anne  (Ingalls)  Brown. 
Aug.  4.  Alice  Katherine,  dau.  of  John  and  Annie  (Roche)  Fitzgibbons. 

Aug.  14.  Annie  L.,  dau.  of  Hiram  Leslie  and  Mary  Louise  (Murphy)  Clay. 

Aug.  20.  Florence  Lillian,  dau.  of  Joseph  Howard  and  Delia  Rose  (Baker) 
Burnett. 

Aug.  26.  Katherine,  dau.  of  Oliver  and  Susie  May  (Alden)  Thayer. 

Dec.  10.  Irene,  dau.  of  Samuel  and  Agnes  (Caswell)  Nicol. 

Dec.  30.  Charles  Hobart,  son  of  Charles  Hobart  and  Mary  Elizabeth  (Collins) 
Lake. 


MARRIAGES. 


1905. 


Jan. 


Feb. 


f William  P.  Elwell  (Danvers),  son  of  Andrew  and  Abbie  (Foster) 

„ J Elwell. 

j Ada  L.  Welch  (Topsfield),  dau.  of  C.  Frank  and  Emma  (Wallace) 
L Welch. 

f James  W.  Goldthwait  (Topsfield),  son  of  Dennison  W.  and  Ade- 
22  j line  (Johnson)  Goldthwait. 

j Julia  S.  Hill  (Lynn)  dau.  of  Reuben  and  Roxana  (Weymouth) 
[ Hill. 


(181) 


I 82 


VITAL  STATISTICS  FOR  1905. 


MARRIAGES  ^Continued). 


June 


June 


Oct. 


Oct. 


Nov. 


Nov. 


f Thomas  F.  Kane  (Peabody),  son  Henry  H.  and  Mary  I.  (Caben) 
J Kane. 

z ' 1 Mary  Belle  Taylor  (Topsfield),  dau.  of  Wm.  B.  and  Annie  E. 

I (Millard)  Taylor. 

f LeRoy  Lynwood  Smerage  (Topsfield),  son  of  Fred  and  Ella  A. 
J (Chapman)  Smerage. 

* 1 Annie  Maude  Mellish  (Melrose),  dau.  of  I.  Murray  and  Elizabeth 

Anne  (Holman)  Mellish. 

f John  Willard  Dwinell  (Topsfield),  son  of  Willard  A.  and  Ruth  A. 
g J (Stickney)  Dwinell. 

* j Susie  Marian  Kelley  (Winthrop),  dau.  of  Wm.  E.  and  Annie  E. 

[ (Cole)  Kelley. 

f John  Robinson  Gould  (Topsfield),  son  of  Samuel  and  Betsey 
« J (Scudder)  Gould. 

1 * j Marion  Elizabeth  Averill  (Topsfield),  dau.  of  C.  Austin  and  Mar- 
1,  garet  Y.  (Sweeney)  Averill. 

f George  Manning  Tilton  (Topsfield),  son  of  Albert  F.  and  Emily 
(■  j D.  (Manning)  Tilton. 

j Elsie  Belle  Frame  (Topsfield),  dau.  of  Francis  C.  and  Elizabeth 
[ (Boardman)  F rame. 

f Warren  Thaxter  Tilton  (Topsfield)  son  of  Albert  F.  and  Emily 
r J D.  (Manning)  Tilton. 

] Grace  Adelaide  Frame  (Topsfield),  dau.  of  Francis  C.  and  Eliza- 
(,  beth  (Boardman)  Frame. 


DEATHS. 


1905. 

Jan.  14. 

Jan.  20. 

Apr.  7. 

Apr.  8. 

May  20. 

May  21. 

May  28. 


Thomas  F.  Cass,  son  of  Thomas  and  Margaret  (Riley)  Cass,  aged  50 
yrs.  2 mos.  25  dys. 

Eliza  Ann,  widow  of  Amos  Smith  Chapman,  and  dau.  of  Elisha  and 
Dolly  (Perkins)  Perkins,  aged  86  yrs.  8 mos.  17  dys. 

Mary  Jane,  widow  of  Horace  Jones  Blanchard,  and  dau.  of  John  and 
Merriam  (Sargent)  Able,  aged  65  yrs. 

Harriet  Elizabeth  Todd,  dau.  of  Samuel  and  Harriet  L.  (Chase)  Todd, 
aged,  61  yrs.  5 mos.  8 dys. 

Catherine  Elizabeth  Webster,  dau.  of  Albert  and  Catherine  E. 
(Falvy)  Webster,  aged  53  yrs.  2 mos. 

Vivian  May  Fuller,  dau.  of  Willie  A.  and  Grace  E.  (Pierce)  Fuller, 
aged  12  hours. 

Charles  William  Stark,  son  of  Joachim  and  Frederika  (Stark)  Stark, 
aged  25  yrs.  10  mos.  28  dys. 

Lucy  Abbott,  wife  of  Wm.  S.  Bell,  and  dau.  of  Christian  Sleppy,  aged 
66  yrs.  6 mos.  16  days. 


June  19. 


VITAL  STATISTICS  FOR  1905. 


183 


July 

Aug. 

Aug. 

Aug. 

Aug. 

Aug. 

Aug. 

Sept. 

Sept. 

Nov. 

Nov. 

Nov. 


1905. 

Jan. 

Feb. 

Apr. 

Apr. 

May 

Aug. 

Oct. 

Nov. 

Nov. 

Dec. 


DEATHS  (Continued). 

18.  Sarah  Perkins  Dwinell,  dau.  of  John  and  Louisa  (Richards)  Dwinell, 
aged  82  yrs.  8 mos.  1 dy. 

2.  Charles  H.  Lake,  son  of  Eben  H.  and  Susan  S.  (Whitiker)  Lake,  aged 

48  yrs.  1 mo.  2 dys. 

3.  Amos  Fuller,  son  of  Benjamin  and  Eliza  M.  (Foster)  Fuller,  aged  31 

yrs.  4 mos.  9 dys. 

9.  Robert  Preston  Williams,  son  of  Ezra  P.  and  Lydia  P.  (Ober)  Will- 
iams, aged  29  yrs.  9 mos.  13  dys. 

11.  Bernard  Davison,  son  of  Albert  H.  and  Josie  (Tinkham)  Davison, 

aged  27  dys. 

20.  Florence  Lillian  Burnett,  dau.  of  Joseph  H.  and  Delia  Rose  (Baker), 
Burnett,  aged  2 hours. 

26.  Bertha  A.,  wife  of  Thos.  F.  McKeague  and  dau.  of  Neil  and  Mary 
(McDonald)  McDonald,  aged  25  yrs. 

24.  Mildred  Gardner  Kneeland,  dau.  of  Cyrus  A.  S.  and  Annie  (Latter) 
Kneeland,  aged,  10  yrs.  2 mos. 

30.  Emily  A.  Dodge,  dau.  of  Pyam  and  Lucy  (Langdellj  Dodge,  aged  77 
yrs.  9 mos. 

12.  Ruth  Hannah,  widow  of  John  Thurston,  and  dau.  of  Wm.  Bridges 

aged  73  yrs.  5 mos.  21  dys. 

13.  Minnie,  wife  of  Thomas  F.  Farrell,  and  dau.  of  John  and  Mary  (Kinne) 

Mullaney,  aged  38  yrs.  7 mos.  26  days.  (Died  in  Salem). 

16.  Benjamin  Colburn  Dodd,  son  of  Benj.  C.  and  Elizabeth  (Goodell) 
Dodd,  aged  62  yrs.  5 mos.  16  dys. 


Deaths  in  other  places.  Interment  in  Topsfield. 

9.  Harrison  P.  Bradstreet,  died  at  Boston,  Mass.,  aged  68  yrs.  9 mos.  9 dys. 
25.  Willian  Perkins  Towne,  died  at  Boston,  Mass.,  aged  62  yrs. 

4.  Elijah  Benton  Wallace,  died  at  Wenham,  Mass.,  aged  65  yrs.  8 dys. 
25.  Benj.  W.  Fuller,  died  at  Boxford,  Mass.,  aged  39  yrs.  29  dys. 

13.  Juliette  Preignan,  died  at  Boston,  Mass.,  aged  34  yrs. 

10.  John  N.  Towne,  died  at  Danvers,  Mass.,  aged  52  yrs.  2 mos.  10  dys. 

24.  Julia  Rowena  Towne,  died  at  Evanston,  111.,  aged  88  yrs.  28  dys. 

5.  Erastus  Kenney  Clarke,  died  at  Lynn,  Mass.,  aged  77  yrs.  2 mos. 

15  dys. 

25.  Annie  L.  Heath,  died  at  Beverly,  Mass.,  aged  2 mos.  12  dys. 

14.  Anstis  P.  Downes,  died  at  Melrose,  Mass.,  aged  93  yrs.  3 mos.  27  dys. 


CHRONOLOGY  OF  EVENTS,  1905. 


184 


CHRONOLOGY  OF  EVENTS  IN  TOPSFIELD  IN  1905. 


March  1 5. 
April. 

April. 

June  1 5. 

September. 
September. 
Oct.  9. 

October. 


Oct.-Dec. 


House  of  T.  Jesse  Fuller  damaged  by  fire. 

Rev.  Herbert  S.  Dow  of  Shelburne  Falls,  Mass.,  appointed  pastor 
of  the  Methodist  Church. 

Very  dry  weather  with  numerous  forest  fires. 

Two  additional  passenger  trains  stopping  at  Topsfield,  provided 
by  the  B.  & M.  Railroad. 

Thomas  E.  Proctor  purchases  the  Dr.  H.  F.  Sears  estate. 

Charles  Ross  elected  principal  of  the  High  School. 

Two  more  passenger  trains  stopping  at  Topsfield  provided  by  the 
B.  & M.  Railroad. 

The  Robinson-Perkins-Donaldson  property  in  the  east  part  of  the 
town  sold  to  J.  F.  Lawrence  of  Boston. 

Epidemic  of  scarlet  fever. 


BUILDINGS  CONSTRUCTED  DURING  THE  YEAR  1905. 

Bradley  B.  Palmer,  Asbury  street;  dwelling  house,  garage,  and  ice  house. 
Gilbert  B.  Balch ; barn  on  Howlett  street. 

George  Francis  Dow,  Main  street;  addition  to  dwelling  house. 

Mrs.  Anna  A.  Clerk,  Main  street;  addition  to  dwelling  house  and  stable;  hen 
house  formerly  on  the  Pemberton-Jackman  place  moved  and  remodelled  in' 
to  a dove-cote. 

Thomas  W.  Pierce,  Boston  street;  garage,  at  the  “Ray” farm. 

Mrs.  Edward  S.  Thayer,  Boston  street;  store  house. 

Thomas  E.  Proctor,  Perkins  street;  carriage  house. 

Charles  V.  Jackman,  Central  street;  blacksmith  shop. 

E.  B.  Woodbury  & Co.  Summer  street;  coal  and  hay  shed. 


> a